Easy Halloween Manicure

This will probably be the easiest Halloween manicure you will find on the internet. All you need is black fingernail polish some googly eyes and some quick dry glue.

Simply paint your nails in the black polish and allow them to dry completely. You may need to paint two or three coats to get a solid black depending upon the brand of nail polish you use. Once the Polish is completely dry put on a drop of quick dry glue and press on some googly eyes. This will take a minute to completely dry and then you can go about your day showing off your creepy googly eye fingers.

Review: SmitCo LLC Girls Nail Patches and Stickers

If you remember I previously told you about a deal that you could get a discount on SmitCo LLC products, including these two different kits of nail stickers and patches. Right now on their website you can get both of these sets together for a discounted price of $16.99.

My daughter was super excited when she saw what had came for her and myself to try out. One of them is called sweet crush and has a variety of different animals and emojis and fruits and sweet treats with big eyes. It has 77 pieces she thought all of the characters were absolutely adorable and couldn't wait to use them. It comes with a top coat polish and a file as well. You definitely want to use the top coat polish to help seal the stickers down otherwise some of them will pop off.

The other said is filled with nail patches and stickers that are animal prints or animals and a variety of hearts and flowers. This one also comes with a nail file and topcoat and again you should use the top coat to help seal the stickers down.

We had fun doing our nails together using these. She used stickers on each one of her nails whereas I chose to just have an accent nail with one sticker on it.

For Your Mistle-TOES This Holiday Season

This was one of the many little gifts we gave to the babysitter last Christmas. They are all sitting on a cute organza tie gift bag that I put then in.

It's just a cute little set including a pedicure foot mask, emery boards, lotion, sparkling red nail polish and clear nail polish.

Then I just tied it closed and attached a little card that read:

For Your Mistle-Toes This Holiday Season!

Thrifty Teacher Appreciation Gift - Thanks for Helping Me Polish My Skills

My daughter this gift was a super fun one to give to her teacher. For this one I had her hand write a note that said "Thank You for Helping Me POLISH My Skills" and wrapped up this fun nail polish set that includes 2 colors.

We also included a letter, which I will be sharing later in the month with you.

This is a really inexpensive gift and if you are like me and giving teachers multiple gifts over the week, the cost of the gifts can add up. Plus this one is super easy and you can quickly get it ready to give.

DIY Green Tea & Sweet Orange Sugar Scrub

DIY Green Tea and Sweet Orange Sugar Scrub
3 T Green Tea (allow to cool before mixing)
1 C Raw Sugar
10 drops Sweet Orange Essential Oil

Directions: Mix together all ingredients in a container. Use to scrub on to skin while taking a bath or shower to exfoliate and moisturize. If scrub starts to dry out, just add some water to re-hydrate before using.

#ad Review: Hair Symphony Professional Detangling Hair Brush and Soft Nylon Hair Brush

My Thoughts:

My daughter and I both had a chance to review this Hair Symphony Professional Detangling Hair Brush and Soft Nylon Hair Brush combo product that includes 2 brushes and a travel cosmetic bag. You can buy this combo set on Amazon. I have seen other brushes similar to this one selling for close to the same price, but I think it is definitely a good deal to get both brushes.

My daughter and I both have naturally curly hair and a detangling brush is a must, especially for my daughter who can get really upset when I try to comb our snarls. Sometimes those snarls are more like a rat's nest because she has such thick hair and they get so bad and isn't the best and making sure she combs through her thick layers. She doesn't complain at all with this pink detangling brush.

The black brush is for me. I haven't owned a brush in years because I always pick out my hair with a wide tooth comb, but I have to say that I love this brush. It has "give" when I brush it so it feels soft even if I am brushing hard. I have not tried it for any styling other than combing out snarls, but it works well.

My daughter claimed the cosmetic bag to put in her brush and hair pieces for her swim bag so that she isn't losing her brush and hairpieces. It's not a high quality cosmetic bag, so I would approach it as a bonus item when purchasing this, but I think it will do just fine for my daughter needing a place to store her hair items.

Product Description from Hair Symphony


The 2 hairbrushes you receive are loved and appreciated by both women and men, kids and teenagers.

You get a salon quality Styling Brush, the innovative Detangling Brush and the Cosmetics Bag for easy storage!

Key Features:
- Easily Detangle any type of hair
- No More Pain while brushing
- Easy to use on Wet or Dry hair
- Convenient storage in you elegant Cosmetics Bag
- European Design high quality Salon grade hairbrushes


You will Immediately see an Improvement in the way your hair looks and feels!


I was sent the above product for the purpose of review. All thoughts, opinions and photographs belong to me. No monetary compensation was received.

#ad Review: OZ Naturals Ocean Mineral Tonic

My Thoughts:

This is my first time trying any of the OZ Naturals line and I am starting with the OZ Naturals Ocean Mineral Tonic. The description of this product on Amazon keeps calling it a Toner but the bottle says it is a Tonic. I guess it is a tonic for toning. It is the 4th step in a line of 8 skin care steps and products that is made my OZ Naturals. I am not sure how many of each of those steps is done daily or if some are done with less frequency. The step with the tonic is supposed to be done daily to see results. I have been using it with my own regimen which is a conglomeration of my favorite products rather than one system, that didn't include a toner.

It says that this toner can be used on top of makeup throughout the day, so I wanted to try that out to see if the toner would make my make up run or not, and it didn't. The tonic is a watery substance and the name Ocean Mineral makes me think that I am splashing ocean water on my face because of the name and the consistency.

The first time I tried out this product was right after I got home from my zumba class. When I sweat, I get this salty, gritty layer on my skin when the sweat dries away. I thought I would try spritzing this on my face and see what happens. I was surprised at how refreshed I felt. There really is no other word to describe how my skin felt other than refreshed. I have also tried it right after getting out of the pool from swimming laps and again, it made my skin feel tighter and refreshed at the same time.

Product Description from OZ Naturals

The active ingredients in this spray will heal and restore on their own, as well as support a synergistic relationship with anything layered on top of it. Organic sulfur acts as a healing solvent, driving ingredients deep into your cells and creating permeability, for nutrients to move in and toxins to move out. Amino acids, ocean minerals, vitamin c, and active plant extracts work miracles with dry, sun damaged skin. This treatment spray is results driven. Prepare to be amazed! Expect to see results within the first seven days of DAILY use.

I was sent the above product for the purpose of review on this blog. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are my own. No monetary compensation was received.

#ad Review: Sun Si'belle Broad Spectrum SPF30 Sunscreen,Tinted

My Thoughts:

Being from Minnesota, this isn't the most ideal time of the year to review a sunscreen since about 90-95% of my body is covered in multiple layers when I am outside, but what this sunscreen offers that many do not is that it is tinted and the only part of my body I really desire to have a tinted sunscreen, like Sun Si'belle Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen, for is the small percentage that is exposed outside year round, my face.

This sunscreen is for me and only me. My children and husband do not have the desire that I have to use a tinted sunscreen on my my face. Every year that I get older I am realizing more and more that my complexion changes and doesn't look as smooth as it did in my youth. I don't like like applying both a foundation or moisturizer as well as sunscreen because it starts to make my skin feel like there is stuff on it. I like the feeling that my skin is bare, even if it isn't. I have tried foundations and tinted moisturizers that have SPF protection, but that have been anywhere from from 5-20 SPF and being a fair skinned Minnesotan that is just not high enough of an SPF for my face. I am pleased with this having a 30 SPF and being tinted.

The picture below show what it looks like when I first swiped it on my skin without rubbing it in. It blended in well with my skin just leaving a shimmer. I had read the reviews about a white tinge, but I didn't notice that right now but I am pretty pale right now. I can't say that it won't have that look when I start to tan, but I do expect that a bit when it is a mineral sunscreen. Other mineral sunscreens I have used do leave a white shimmer when I have used them. I am happy with this product so far.

Product Description from Sun Si'belle

• Light and non-greasy 
• Moisturizes and hydrates all day long 
• Defends skin with mineral 
• SPF 30
• Contains antioxidants and age defying ingredients, Hyaluronic acid and CoQ10 
• Tinted, leaves no white cast 
• Oxybenzone-free, Toxin-free, Gluten-free, NANO particles free, Paraben-free 
• EWG Safety Rating 2 
• Natural and Organic ingredients 

I was sent the above product for the purpose of review on this blog. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are my own. No monetary compensation was received.

#ad GIVEAWEAY and Review: Play Love Laugh Natural Nail Polish

My Thoughts:

My daughter and I love to use nail polish, but what we don't love is any toxic smells from some nail polish that you can buy. You do not get that at all from the nail polish made by Play Love Laugh. These nail polishes are made from a fruit and vegetable base, are non-toxic and gluten free (I never thought about if someone with a gluten intolerance needed to be looking for this in a polish before.)

We picked out these 2 colors. Below I am wearing the Pink Rose and that is ONLY ONE COAT that I applied. The directions say to apply 2 coats, but I wanted to show just how thick only 1 coats goes on. I honestly don't think I have ever had such a thick single coat from a nail polish before.

I do enjoy that it peels off because if my nail polish starts to wear off, I want it all removed from my fingers (not as concerned about when it wears from my toe nails) asap and being able to peel it off is quick and easy.

The other color we received is Purple Fairy Twinkle and it is a purple glitter in a clear base. It is fun to add as a second coat over another color.

Product Description from Play Love Laugh:

Play Love Laugh polishes are 5- free, odorless, kid friendly, eco friendly, vegan, gluten free, quick drying, animal friendly and safe for pets to use, safe for expecting moms, and NO top or bottom coat needed, NO stinky expensive nail polish removers are needed, and we are free of nitrocellulose/alcohols/acetates/acetones/ethers, and free of FD&C dyes. Completely toxic free, noncarcinogenic, and really completely truly odorless!

Though our polishes are WATER PROOF, for removal, all you need is warm to hot water. When you are ready to remove your beautiful nail polishes, run them directly under warm/hot water, or soak them during a bath, and the polishes will soften. Once they are soft, at the base of your nail, lift up like you are taking off a sticker and discard remains. If your polishes soften but you are NOT ready to take them off, run them under cool water for 10 seconds and they will reset. Depending on lifestyle, longivity on toenails ranges from 7-30 days (average 14 days) and again, depending on lifestyle, the longivity on fingernails ranges from 1-7 days (average 4-5 days).

ONE LUCKY READER WILL WIN THEIR OWN 

2-PACK OF COLORS FROM PLAY LOVE LAUGH

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I was sent the above product for the purpose of review on this blog. All thoughts and opinions and photographs are my own. No monetary compensation was received.

Halloween Manicure Ideas

I have had a little fun this month playing around with Halloween manicure ideas. I was trying out a few things so I could share them with my daughter and some of her friends as they had a crafty Halloween playdate.

Review: Crave Naturals Eyebrow and Eyelash Kit & 25% Off Coupon Code

I absolutely love the eyelash brush from Crave Naturals. I noticed that my mascara brush that came with my mascara doesn't separate my lashes as mush as I would like them to, but I didn't know what to do until I got this brush kit. The eyelash brush keeps the mascara on my lashes but separates the lashes so you can see individual lashes and now clumps of lashes. The eyebrow brush also nicely combs my eyebrow in to place so that they are not sticking up anywhere.

Product Description from Crave Naturals

Spoolie and Angled Brow Brush:
The spoolie end is a mascara wand minus the mascara. The tapered head and soft bristles allow you to brush your eyebrows into place before you begin grooming or filling in sparse areas. After filling in your brows use the spoolie to soften any harsh lines and create a natural look. A quick brush-thru and you're good to go!

The angled brush is exactly what you need to apply gel, powder or cream color to your brow. The angle allows precise application and helps you create definition and feel like a pro.

Brow Brush and Eyelash Comb:
If your mascara went on a little heavy, de-clump and separate your eyelashes in the blink of an eye with the expert eyelash comb. A simple twist of your hand and the brow brush will be ready to go into eye-service for you! Use one or both to achieve your signature look.


Now for your coupon code you have been waiting for:


Instructions:
1. Go to amazon.com and search eyelash comb.
2. Find the brow and lash kit and add it to your cart.
3. Before finalizing the order, use promo code: QQMSRCOC to receive 25% OFF your order.
4. Reviews are appreciated

Review: Crave Naturals Whiplash Eyelash Curler

#ad

I have been using the Crave Naturals Whiplash Eyelash Curler for a couple weeks now and have been very pleased with the quick results. I do have an eyelash curler, but ever since having kids I have simplified my beauty and makeup routine to the things that are quick with the right impact. I don't always have time for multiple things. I know, I know, it only takes seconds to use an eyelash curler, but I didn't think I noticed much of an impact before and I didn't like spending the time fishing it out of my makeup bag.

That has changed since using the Crave Naturals Whiplash Eyelash Curler. True, it doesn't take very long to use (just like it didn't before) but I notice the difference. I didn't think it made my eyelashes that much more noticeable before, but NOW.....well, the proof is in the pictures above. Before you can see how my eyelashes just blended in and were not as noticeable, but with a little eye makeup and curling the lashes upwards You can definitely notice them against my eyelid. This has not become part of my daily beauty and makeup routine and only takes a few seconds to make a noticeable impact.

I was sent the product for free to review, but no other monetary compensation was received. All thoughts, opinions and photographs belong to me.

I did want to note that the instructions do caution against using the curler with mascara on because your lashes can stick and pull out because of the mascara. I have not had that issue, but I did want to point it out.

I also love that this comes with replacement pads and that they do wash off easily (if you do wear mascara when using it.) It is also wonderful that is comes with closing latch, so that when I am traveling with it it isn't getting stuck on stuff.

You can BUY CRAVE NATURALS WHIPLASH EYELASH CURLER on their website or on AMAZON.

If you choose to buy it from Amazon, they have generously offered up a 25% off Coupon for my readers:

Instructions: 
1. Go to amazon.com and search pink eyelash curler.
2. Find Whiplash and add it to your cart.
3. Before finalizing the order, use promo code: 6W64Z25Z to receive 25% OFF your order.
4. Reviews are appreciated.

Review: Ecco Bella Lip Gloss

I am IN LOVE with these ECCO BELLA tinted lipglosses. And it's not just me either, it is my daughter too. I can't even tell you which one is my favorite because depending upon my outfit and mood, I pick a different one. Below you can see the 4 lip glosses all together on my arm so you can see the difference in colors better, but I have also shared pictures below of how each one looks on me,a s well as how one of them looks on my daughter, whom I let where the 2 lightest colors (Pleasure and Peace).

The names of the lip glosses in the order (from L to R) on my arm are: Passion, Power, Pleasure and Peace. I also put them in the same order in the collage photo below where you can see them on me, going Top to Bottom and Left to Right.

I can't get over how stunning these lip glosses are and the fact that they are natural and organic. Two of the colors are even vegan, if you are looking for a vegan products. They feel natural on my lip and are not sticky or greasy feeling at all. Even though the lip gloss will come off when you drink out of a class or give your child a kiss, it wipes off easily and doesn't stain and easily comes off the glass in the dishwasher.

The applicator is a nice spongy type wand applicator than easily slides in and out of the tube. Also, I LOVE that on the backside of the tube is a mirror, which I have learned is on the back of their mascara as well. I think it is genius to put a mirror on the back of a tube of lip gloss or mascara.

Product Description from Ecco Bella



Smooth talk. Give yourself some fabulous lip with a pure, shiny rich texture that’s never greasy or heavy. These are perfect lip glosses used alone or can be used with lipstick.

Our FlowerColor Good For You Gloss has a unique applicator tube that features the same built-in mirror as our best-selling mascaras, so there's never a time when you can't apply. Naturally-preserved. Gluten and FD and C dye-free. Power and Peace are vegan.

You can buy these Ecco Bella lip glosses directly from Ecco Bella, as well as many other beauty and skin care and hair care products including mascara (which I plan to purchase when I need to swap out my current tube.)

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Reviews: #SurfsUpVoxBox from #Influenster w/ Not Your Mother's Beach Babe #NYMBeachBabe and F.A.S.T. #FASTrelief

Here is everything I received to review (disclosure: no monetary compensation was received and all thoughts and opinions and photograpghs belong to me) in the #SurfsUpVoxBox from Influenster in the above picture. Below I will tell you my thoughts on some of the products. You can read my thoughts on the Jamba Juice in my review with Protein Smoothie Recipe.

This travel size pack of Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Shampoo and Conditioner went straight in to my daughter's swim team bag for her to you in the lockerroom after practice. I asked her what she thought of them and she thought they worked good and the shampoo got nice and sudsy and seemed to hep take the chlorine out. She thought the conditioner helped make her hair not feel so dry after the pool

 Sinful Colors Nail Polish -- Love, love love1 This color! It works well and is durable. I stayed chip free for a couple days and I am hard on my hands!

Posted this review on Wal-Mart.com:

I found this to be very helpful in helping soothe my skin after I had been in the sun too long while we were fishing. Love the light scent to it as well.  I did receive this product to review from Influenster, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Works as described and brought fast relief. Note that there is caffiene in this item, 65mg per bottle. So, take this only if you are ok with the effects of caffiene at that point in your day. I received one of these to review from Influenster, so I didn't get to try it more than once. I used it after I felt sore from a run but still was going paddleboarding later in the day.

Try It Tuesday: Natural Shea Butter Hair Mask & GIVEAWAY/ Review Beauty By Shea Organic Shea Butter

You can easily make a hair mask at home using one simple ingredient, raw organic unfiltered shea butter. That's it! No artificial ingredients, nothing else besides shea butter. I had the opportunity to try using the Beauty by Shea Organic Shea Butter and see how it works on my naturally curly hair that I color.

My hair frequently dries due to the nature of naturally curly hair, combined with the fact that I color my hair, combined with the fact that I spend a lot of time outside in the sun and wind. I welcome anything that helps me make my hair look and feel healthy. The fact that this is just one pure organic ingredient is just wonderful and the fact that it works is even better!

A little goes a long way with shea butter. I have medium length hair and need a quarter size dollop of shea butter. Unrefined shea butter melts really quickly when you rub your hands together and can easily be applied to you hair.

Start at the ends (which are the driest and may have split ends) and work towards your roots. If your hair is longer you may need more shea butter. Once your hair of covered as much as you desire, cover it with either a shower cap or a hot towel. This will work with heat released from your head and help the shea butter to be absorbed into your hair strands. Allow to sit on your head for 20-30 minutes, then shower as usual.

My Thoughts:

This works really well as a hair mask and you do not need a lot. I am happy with how it works and love that it is just one simple organic ingredient and nothing else. I also use it as a moisturizer on my elbows and knees, both of which get quite dry and absorbs the shea butter quickly. It also works well to moisturize your feet. Just rub on your feet before bedtime and cover with socks and allow to absorb over night. You could do the same thing with your hands if you are prone to dry hands. No need to have multiple products in your beauty cabinet when you just need organic shea butter that can do what normally you might have several products for.

Product Description from Beauty by Shea

16 oz (1lb) of Pure Organic Unrefined Raw Shea Butter from Beauty By Shea is made with extra care to ensure you receive the purest Raw Shea Butter. Beauty By Shea Organic Shea Butter is double filtered, first in Ghana, and then at our US Lab where it is manufactured into our 1lb bricks, packaged into our heat sealed bags, and sent straight to Amazon thereby preserving the natural richness, and purity of the shea butter for our customers. Beauty By Shea 100% Ivory Organic Raw, Unrefined Shea Butter is imported directly from Ghana, and is 100% pure and natural, nothing else added! Naturally rich in essential vitamins for beautiful skin, Beauty By Shea Organic Shea Butter will nourish your skin with Vitamins A, E, F and K. Use this Beauty By Shea Organic Raw Shea Butter daily and often for beautiful, moisturized, luminous skin. Raw Organic Unrefined Shea Butter is perfect for topical use on skin and hair, and the perfect essential ingredient for homemade lotions, soaps, conditioners and more!

ONE LUCKY READER WILL WIN THEIR OWN

BEAUTY BY SHEA ORGANIC SHEA BUTTER

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

GIVEAWAY and Review: Lalicious Sugar Tiare Flower Whipped Sugar Scrub

Imagine my surprise when I found out I was getting an unexpected delivery of this LALICIOUS Sugar Tiare Flower Whipped Sugar Scrub and had the option of reviewing it on Save Green Being Green with the option of having a giveaway for my readers. Of course I wanted to review this and Of course my readers wanted a chance to win this!

I love the smell of this sugar scrub, but I am not able to distinguish which flower scent it is. Gardenia perhaps? The flower scent is a parfum on the ingredient list, but there are many other natural products listed on the ingredients list including cane sugar, coconut oil, sweet almond oil (they three are the first 3 ingredients listed too), soybean oil and honey.

I love how it feels on my body after I used it. The oils in it leave your skin feeling moisturized and the sugar that provides the scrubbing power is gentle and cleansing.

This Lalicious Sugar Tiare Flower Whipped Sugar Scrub is available in 2 sizes: 2 oz and 16 oz.

You can buy Lalicious Sugar Tiare Flower Whipped Sugar Scrub from Beauty Care Choices. While you are there, why not pick up some of the other products I have told you about that they sell (You get FREE SHIPPING for order $49+!)

• OSIS+ Mousse and Creme
• CHI Shine Spray

Be sure to also check out other items in the LALICIOUS line of products and see what else you would like to try. I think I would love to try one of the lip butter. My lips get dry in the winter and will probably need a product like that. 

ONE LUCKY READER WILL WIN A CONTAINER OF

Lalicious Sugar Tiare Flower Whipped Sugar Scrub

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was sent the above mentioned product with the option of having a review and giveaway. All thoughts, opinions and photographs belong to SGBG. No monetary compensation was received.

GIVEAWAY and Review: LAVO Facial Mud Mask

It has been a pampering weekend for me, which means it is going to be a pampering week for my readers as I share about a variety of beauty products and hold giveaways for them.

Today I am going to share with you my review of LAVO Facial Mud Mask. It works how you expect a mud mask to work. The volcanic mud dries to your face within 5-15 minutes (depends how thick you put the mud on - I put it on thick in the picture below, so it took 15 minutes to dry.) As it dries it works to dry up acne and tighten up pores. It is supposed to help reduce oil production while the moisturizers in the mask keep you face from drying out.

It does contain sage and eucalyptus oils, which you will notice in the the scent of the mask. It is a pleasant scent and not overpowering. They recommend applying the mask 2-3 times a week, although I am lucky to find time before showering to apply it 2-3 times a month, although this week my skin is feeling quite oily so I think I am going to apply a mask again tonight before I wash my face before bed.

I like how this mask make my skin feel when I am finished. My skin feels tighter and refreshed and anything that makes my skin feel tighter as we age is a good thing.

YOU CAN BUY LAVO FACIAL MUD MASK ON AMAZON.

Product Description from LAVO:

LAVO's HIGH PERFORMANCE VOLCANIC MUD MASK is an all natural remediy for oily skin, acne, and for minimizing pores. It contains several ingredients highly beneficial for doing just...including, kaolin, actual volcanic mud, vitamin e, brown seaweed, aloe vera, and zinc oxide.

SOME OF THE MANY BENEFITS include softer tighter skin, smaller cleaner pores, & of course reduced oil production. Face will enjoy not feeling like a greasy cheeseburger.

MADE IN USA WITH FINEST ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS - We're not only proud of making this product in America we're proud to be using all natural ingredients. On top of that, it's paraben free, cruelty free, no animal testing, and manufactured in a clean FDA registered facility.

ONE LUCKY READER WILL WIN THEIR OWN CONTAINER OF

LAVO FACIAL MUD MASK

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.