So I won't be posting any hauls for a LONG while. We have an Xbox, Christmas and other things we need to save for/pay off. So, for the next 6 months or so, my posts will be dedicated to reviewing products I already have, makeup/nail tutorials, and anything fitness related. Be on the lookout for the following tutorials: Nails: Tiffany and Co. Nails Cortana Nails Bella Gema Nails inspired nails (It's based on a shirt she was wearing--the colors were AMAZING) Haloween cat & skull nails Makeup: Bella Gema Nails (based off the same top for the nails) Cortana inspired look Elegant fall look Husband does my makeup! 3 minute makeup challenge! I'll start filming these this weekend! If you have any tutorials you'd like to see, let me know!
It's link up time! Workout Wednesday with SkinnyMeg!
Check out Skinny Meg's Blog! So this is supposed to be a kick ass super motivating blog post! YAY! Nope. Not gonna lie. I've fallen off the bandwagon. BIG time. I'm hoping that blogging more about it, and linking up will help keep me motivated and help keep me accountable for my actions. I haven't gained a whole lot of weight, just a few pounds, so it hasn't been completely out of control. I recently went to a seminar about Excellent Customer Service. One of the things we talked about was setting goals. When it comes to setting goals, there are a few things you need to do in order to be successful in achieving your goals. (Maybe everyone already knows this, but it was insightful to ME) 1. Write your goals down. Ok. So I'm DECENT at this. Not the best. I think my problem is, I write/type them, but don't have them in a place that I can SEE them everyday. So I'm thinking that I should write/type out my goals, and then write them on the big 'ol mirror in my bedroom. I've started to pick up on my blogging, so there's no reason why I can't pick up on my goals. :) 2. Set a time to have the goal completed!!!! THIS!!!!! This is something I don't really... do. And I should. This is another thing I feel could help with accountability. If I meet my "deadline", I'll reward myself--not with FOOD, but with a beauty/fashion/gaming item! In lieu of this seminar and the valuable information I took from it, I'm making a list of goals for everyone to see, and I will be transferring these to the mirror I look into errrrryday. (I'm so vaaaaain.) - Lose 15 lbs by December 31st. While this seems COMPLETELY obtainable, I want to be SAFE and obviously, getting my butt to the gym is challenging, so I think it's challenging-ly obtainable. Don't know if that's even a word. Don't care. -Come up with a daily body section work out (leg day, arm day, back day, etc) by September 30th. I wanted to give myself enough time to REALLY research some moves that would work with the equipment I have access to, as well as what was safe for me as a newbie (again---*sigh*) - Starting September 16th, I will ride my bike to and from work. - Starting September 16th, I will incorporate a morning and evening routine for myself and my family. As well as a routine for the weekends. I'm starting with these. And I'm stickin' to it. The point is, I'm human. We're all human. We have ups, downs, sideways and backwards times. I've made some mistakes, but I learn from those mistakes and I make better decisions as I go. I've learned from the mistakes I've make before, and in doing so, has lead me to make better decisions. Because I've that, I'm not back up to 198 like I was when I started. I honestly don't know my weight, but I'm not concerned with the number right now. I'm more concerned with how I feel. Emotionally and physically. Anyone else struggling like I am? Let's keep each other motivated!!! To sweaty awesomeness and lean mean healthy bods!!! Let's guzzle some water! :D Until next time!
If you haven't seen my video review on this {which you should if you've subscribed to my YouTube channel *hint hint* *nudge nudge*} check it out here: (Demo video is listed below)
I originally saw a video on the "Strength" version of the VitaGel on JapanNailsandMore's YouTube channel. I was a bit hesitant at first, as I don't have good luck with nails strengtheners. But then I saw that Gelish came out with a Recovery formula specially designed for weak nails, I decided to give it a shot.
As mentioned in my video, a lot of people on Amazon said that the product would just peel off their nails in complete chunks. Or something along those lines. I can assure you that has NOT been the case with me. I've had SOME lifting, but that is from my nails impacting objects. I'm not used to having my nails this long, and it DOES take some getting used to. But my nails have been noticeably stronger, and this is a purchase I give 2 thumbs WAY up!
The deets on VitaGel in Recovery:
I purchased this off Amazon from Salon Supply Store. You can also find them on Ebay. I purchased it for $14.64 for a .5 fl oz (15ml) bottle. For a .3 fl oz (9ml) from Sally Beauty Suppy (the only place I can seem to find Gelish polish locally) was $20.95!!! Right now it's on sale for $15.95--and that's still outrageous to me!!! Salon Supply Store was priced great and shipped fast. I had my package in 3 business days. I also ordered a Gelish color in "A Girl's Gotta Glow" ($12.95 for a .5 fl oz bottle) and some Gelish foundation ($13.95 for a .5 fl oz bottle). The strengthener is loaded with vitamins E, A and B5 and is specially designed to continuously release them throughout the 14 days of wear. Or in my case, longer--since I seem to have THE hardest time getting soak offs OFF! I wish I was kidding, but for some reason (doesn't matter the brand) I can't soak off the gel polish. I use 100% pure acetone and do the foil method with heat for 30-40 mins and it only takes the top layer off. The layer below is super sticky, but won't budge. So I've ended up filing it off my nails the last 2 times. I'm still trying some different techniques, and I'll also purchase a different acetone brand too. Right now, I'm using the Up and Up Target brand. So maybe that's the REAL issue. All in all, I recommend this product for those of us with weak nails who are looking for a longer solution nail strengthener that REALLY works. Here is a demonstration on how to use the Recovery Vitagel:
As far as the file I used in the video, I still don't know the grit. Everything I've seen has a special name. "Cushion" or "Buffer" file. Unfortunately, the kit didn't specify a grit, or anything like that. Boo-urns. I hope this information is helpful for you! Until next time!
I've been busy lately!!! Spending WAAAYYY too much money. HAHAHA. Ow well. As long as bills get paid, food is in our bellies and something is saved, I can get some pretties for myself every once in a while...or week...daily. Moving on... Here is the YouTube video for the haul:
Here is the DL on everything I bought: Ript Apparel I LOVE Ript Apparel! They're a local company to me (so I get my shirts FAST ;P) and they do a different artistic/nerdy shirt every 24 hours. The design of the day is printed on multiple items. Their Tees are $10, hoodies are $38, toddler sizes are $12, 18x24 posters are $20, 24x32 posters are $40, 4 coasters are $25, iphone cases (4,4s and 5) are $18. As of late, they have been having a double design on certain days. The deal is if you buy each design on a Tee, you save $1. Just me, but I don't see a huge deal in a dollar. But maybe someone might. I love Star Wars and enjoy the older Disney movies. I don't really like what Disney has become as of late. Miley Cyrus anyone? And why should a middle schoolers be concerned about dating boys? No bueno, Disney. Stick to Pixar, animated full length features, and leave the crappy TV shows to someone else. I'm scared to see what will become of the Star Wars legacy with Disney involved. But I'm trying to remain optimistic. Much like I am Ben Affleck being Batman in the next Superman movie... *sigh* I'd better move on before I hop on the soap box... Fash Forward Boutique I don't like to buy anything clothes related off the internet (except tees--can't really go TOO wrong with tees) because I'm afraid of the sizing being off, or the colors being wrong. However, Mama Laughlin and Skinny Meg have REALLY good taste in clothing when shopping online, and they've had nothing but awesome things to say about Kiki La'Rue and Fash Forward Boutique. Well one day I saw this shirt on Kiki La'Rue's instagram and I INSTANTLY fell in love with this shirt. But I couldn't afford it at the time. When I was finally able to afford it, my size was no longer in stock. While I'm confident about losing weight, I didn't want to buy a small JUST yet. Well a few weeks ago, I saw that Fash Forward Boutique had THE shirt! I went to their page and there it was! In my size and everything. SOLD! I've noticed that Kiki La'Rue and Fash Forward have a lot of the same items. Some items are different though. The shirt and shipping all together was $32.55. Pretty decent for a cute shirt like this! It also arrived pretty quickly. I am a satisfied customer, and will DEFINITELY be returning for more! Go check them out, and be sure to tell them I sent you! Beautylish One of the YouTube gurus I subscribe to recommended that you create a Beautylish account as it's a great community of people who are professionals, beginners, inbetween-ers all coming together to enjoy all things beauty! Here is where you can find my Beautylish profile. There's not much on there, but I haven't had a chance to fully explore. They also have their own boutique where they sell makeup. They sell name brands, too. As well as some brands I've never heard of. So when you join, you get a $10 credit towards anything in their boutique! FREE MONEY!!! So I picked an Inglot eyeshadow, and a pretty red bow ring/palette. The ring was $10 (FA-REE!) and the eyeshadow was $6. Shipping was only $5---FOR 2ND DAY AIR FEDEX!!! WOW! I will definately be buying for the Beautylish boutique again. I'll also probably play on Beautylish for the entirety of the road trip I'll be taking next weekend. I can fill my profile with everything I like! Swatch of the Inglot eyeshadow:
Em Cosmetics When I first got into makeup, I started to watch a lot of YouTube. I was never into YouTube before then, but I sure as hell am now! One of the first people I subscribed to was Michelle Phan. She most certainly has come a long way. I'll admit I enjoy a lot of her older videos more than her newer ones. Seems like she's so super busy now with all of these companies that she started, etc. One of her endeavors was her own cosmetics line called "em cosmetics". This just recently launched, and their first deal was "Get started with em", which consisted of a lipstick, an eyeliner and a deluxe sample of one of the Life palettes for $27.50. Normally the eyeliner is $20 and the lipstick is $16.50. They're not selling deluxe samples, but it shows that it would have been $7, according to my order history on their website. So as you can see, it was a GREAT deal! I have to say though, I'm disappointing in the color of the lipstick. While is BOLD and gorgeous--It's just NOT for me. What I wanted, is what was on the website. Noooooot what I got.
Image from emcosmetics.com Don't Tell Mom color shown on website
Please excuse the horrid lip job. I didn't use liner. And I had chapstick on. #beauty faux paux
I've used the eyeliner a few times and I really like it. Makes my eyes POP. As far as the deluxe sample of the palette goes, I haven't had a chance to play with it too much. But my first impression? Meh. It's ok. The taupe brown and blue are pigmented well, but the purple is kind of chalky and the lip color is more of a balm/gloss. Maybe it's supposed to be that way? But I'll do a look with it and see how I feel about it then. I'd probably want to try a few more products before I say anything about value. As it stands, I'm not sure that the retail pricing is really worth it. $20 for an eyeliner? I like it and all, but I don't think it's a $20 eyeliner. $12 maybe, but not $20. I totally sound like a negative Nancy right now, too! HAHAHA! Not trying to be. Just being honest. I would want people to be honest with me if I had a brand I was selling. How else can you improve, right? I'm not saying it's HORRID either. Just--Meh. Here are some swatches I did of the products I purchased:
R: Inglot shadow L: Turquoise liner
Deluxe Sample: Love Life R toL Pupplies and Kitties, Springtime, Teal Rain, Melon
Top L to R: Don't Tell Mom Lip color, puppies and kitties, springtime, melon Bottom L to R: Inglot shadow, turquoise liner, teal rain
I hope this information is helpful! Until next time!
Digg it!
