A Multi-Purpose Beauty Product

Josie Maran Argan Color Stick

First, please excuse the GIGANTIC photos of my face, but it's the best way for you to see the product.  Oh and excuse the sunburn too, but 7 hours on the lake will do that to you. 

I love Josie Maran's Argan Color Stick for several reasons:  

Numero uno- I love the smell!  I know that's weird but it really does smell great.  

Number two- it is dual purpose.  In these photos, I used it on my cheeks (the apples of my cheeks) and my lips.  I didn't want to spend a lot of time on my makeup since I was on vacation- I did BB Cream, one sweep of bronzer to contour my cheeks a little, then Josie Maran Argan Color Stick on my cheeks and lips.  (eyes you can't see, but I did eyeshadow and mascara... didn't get a good shot without the sunglasses)  The color stick is luminescent, so it really gives your cheeks a beautiful glow and dewy finish.

Number three- It treats your skin!  Since it has Argan Oil in it, it replenishes and repairs your skin.

• Purchase Josie Maran Argan Color Stick in Petal Pink-Neutral Pink at Sephora
• Or, check out QVC's website to see some of the sets they offer that come with the Josie Maran Argan Color Stick.  They actually have an entire Josie Maran section with great deals.
• Learn more about Argan Oil here.

Memorial Day Weekend at the Lake

Here are a few shots from the long weekend.  My friend John is gracious enough to have his friends come to his lake house on holiday weekends and there is so much to do.  Whether it's four-wheeling, boating, shooting skeet, or just lying on the pier, you can find something you enjoy in this beautiful place.

This trip was truly special because we had John's friend who is one of Emeril Lagasse's test kitchen chefs along for the trip.  Stacey's job is to create and write recipes, so to say she can cook is quite the understatement.  Everything she made was from scratch and for the most part, healthy.  Check out the picture of the Prosciutto (and lord knows what else... we'll call it HEAVEN) Pizza a little further down.  It was hands down the best pizza I've ever eaten.  Even the dough was homemade!  

But what's even more exciting- Stacey is going to start sharing her favorite recipes with everyone via this blog... (I'm also trying to convince her to start her own!).  So, hopefully, I will get the recipe to that fabulous pizza (and several of the other things she made this weekend) soon.  

Everything she made this weekend was whole and organic and SO DELICIOUS, so I'm hoping she can help me learn how to cook fabulous healthy meals that even a Louisiana girl like myself can enjoy!

The Benefits of Kale

Since I've been making my own juices and green smoothies (read more here), I am constantly trying to learn more about what fruits and veggies are the best and what health benefits I receive from them.  Kale is definitely a favorite.  Here's why:

Anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is the number one cause of arthritis, heart disease and a number of autoimmune diseases, and is triggered by the consumption of animal products. Kale is an incredibly effective anti-inflammatory food, potentially preventing and even reversing these illnesses.

Calcium. Kale contains more calcium per calorie than milk (90 grams per serving) and is also better absorbed by the body than dairy.  Calcium aids in preventing bone loss and maintaining a healthy metabolism.

Fiber. Like protein, fiber is a macronutrient, which means we need it every day. But many Americans don't eat nearly enough and the deficiency is linked to heart disease, digestive disorders and cancer.  One serving of kale not only contains 5 percent of the recommended daily intake of fiber, but it also provides 2 grams of protein.

Omega fatty acids. Essential Omega fats play an important role in our health, unlike the saturated fats in meat. A serving of kale contains 121 mg of omega-3 fatty acids and 92.4 mg of omega-6 fatty acids.

Immunity. Superbugs and bacteria are a serious risk to our health. Many of these come as a result of factory farm meat, eggs and dairy products. Kale is an incredibly rich source of immune-boosting carotenoid and flavanoid antioxidants including vitamins A and C.

Iron. Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef. Iron is essential for good health, such as the formation of hemoglobin and enzymes, transporting oxygen to various parts of the body, cell growth, proper liver function and more.

Vitamin K. Eating a diet high in Vitamin K can help protect against various cancers. It is also necessary for a wide variety of bodily functions including normal bone health and the prevention of blood clotting. Also increased levels of vitamin K can help people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Kale is filled with powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids help protect against various cancers.

Kale is a great detox food. Kale is filled with fiber and sulfur, both great for detoxifying your body and keeping your liver healthy.

Kale is great for cardiovascular support. Eating more kale can help lower cholesterol levels.

Vitamin A. Vitamin A is great for your vision, your skin as well as helping to prevent lung and oral cavity cancers.

Vitamin C. This is very helpful for your immune system, your metabolism and your hydration.

Sources: mindbodygreen.com; organicauthority.com

The Cheap & Easy Way to Make Your Own Green Juice & Green Smoothies

Cup of Deliciousness.

For awhile I was back and forth about buying a juicer.  They are so expensive I started to think that with the price of the juicer plus the price of all the fruit (and wasted product from the fruit) that I should just forget about juicing at home.

Then I saw the NutriBullet commercial... I was intrigued... I liked that it didn't take all the fiber out of the food and that it could break up nuts and seeds.  (I definitely wanted something that could grind flax seeds!)

I was talking to someone about the NutriBullet, and she said to just buy the Magic Bullet.  I was hesitant, but for $50 I figured it was worth a try!

ANDDDDD... I LOVE IT!  The Magic Bullet is definitely the best $50 I've ever spent.  I use it every single day.  I either make green juice, green smoothies, fruit smoothies, or sometimes a mixture of everything!  It is so convenient and easy to clean.  And if I don't drink the entire juice, I screw the top on and put it in the fridge.

Not to mention, you can use it for a million other things... soups, pasta sauces, etc.  Comes with a recipe group full of great ideas.  But I've been so busy juicing I haven't gotten around to it!

Furthermore, I can 100% feel a difference in myself.  I have so much more energy than I used to.  I definitely believe that getting your nutrients from actual foods is A TON better than a multi-vitamin that was created in a lab.  Your body recognizes the vitamins and minerals from real food better!

Here are some pictures of a recent juice recipe I created... and that is another great part of it... you can experiment.. take a sip... don't like it? Add some more fruit/greens/whatever you want!  You can toss them in WHOLE.  Virtually no chopping.  You can even put frozen veggies or fruits in there too.  I will start to document my juice/smoothie experiments more often, but this one turned out great!

The Ingredients I started with: A lime, frozen pineapple, ginger root, 2 handfuls of kale, heaping Tbsp of flax seed.

I used about an inch of ginger root

                     

                       I then decided to throw in a few dashes of Cayenne for good measure.

                  

Throw it all in the Magic Bullet cup.

                

Fill up with water about 3/4 of the way.
  (This is important! Otherwise it will make something of the consistency of baby food!)

                  

Lock into place and watch it blend!

  

Voila!  (and this was after I drank some of it btw... too delicious to wait)

Here is a link for the Magic Bullet (sale price) with Free Shipping:
                                                                 

If you have any questions regarding the Magic Bullet, feel free to email me or comment!

Spoil Your Pet: Lazy Bonezz

Just ordered this fabulous collar from Gilt... for $15.00!! (Regularly $29.99 bones... pun intended)

I can't wait to see my little 6 pound badass (seriously, she has the mentality of a big dog-- like mother like daughter?) in this collar.

Here are a few other Lazy Bonezz pieces on sale today on Gilt.  

(Check out that bunkbed... I would love to have pets that sleep in a bunkbed!)

 

 

Sign up for Gilt Groupe. 

Minnie

Stay tuned for a picture of Minnie when the collar comes in!  :)

Shopping Break @ ShopBop

                               

                 

                         

A few pieces I'm coveting at ShopBop (especially the sale ones!) 

Click the pictures to shop!  

The Best of Beauty: Mattifying Moisturizer

SEPHORA COLLECTION 8 HR 
Mattifying Moisturizer with Sunscreen

So I finally tried one of the products I listed on this post.  A friend asked me a few weeks ago to do a post on a good moisturizer that helps with shine.  I thought that was a great idea- especially since the temperatures outside are rising- (I love you Louisiana, but these summers are brutal).

First, let me give you a run-down on my skin type again.  Pretty normal, but can be oily in the summer on my nose and chin area.  Occasionally I get some shine on my forehead after an entire day of having makeup on my face- and who doesn't?  How nice would it be to be a guy and not have to wear makeup every day?  Ok, let me back up.  Scratch that-  I LOVE MAKEUP.  Still, wearing makeup every day annoys me.  But, if I've got to do it, let me do it the best and healthiest way possible for my skin.  Which is why I use B.B. Cream and a good moisturizer.  One reason this moisturizer really intrigued me was because it contains antioxidants- AND sunscreen!

I tried 3 products that I heard were pretty decent when it comes to mattifying your skin:

• SEPHORA COLLECTION 8 HR Mattifying Moisturizer Sunscreen 1.69 oz ($22.00)
• The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Lotion, 1.69-Fluid Ounce (ranges $10.00- $13.00)
• Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15 l PA++ ($39.50)

I definitely like the Sephora Mattifying Moisturizer the best.  I also liked the consistency and smell of the Body Shop Tea Tree Lotion, but it felt almost like a film on my face.  The Murad Mattifier was a little better, but it was a very thick lotion... wasn't in love with it.

I really liked the Sephora Mattifying Moisturizer right off the bat because it was light consistency and blended easily into my skin.  I do have to say that it has a bit of a sunscreen smell to it, but given that I do a lot of running around during the day, I like that I KNOW it has sunscreen in it and is protecting my skin from the sun (without the greasiness of sunscreen!).  

As far as being a mattifier, it definitely worked.  I didn't have that icky end-of-the-day gross makeup feeling on my face.... which was AWESOME!  It gave me the shine control I was looking for.

I also loved that it has a pump, which to me says it will last me a long time because I won't use too much product at a time.

Last but definitely not least, it is only $22.00!!!  This is my new go-to day moisturizer.

Flawless. Anna Selezneva

Could she be any more perfect?  I love this look- once again... natural makeup.  

I love how there is something on her lips, but the color makes it look like her lips are naturally that rosey color.  

Notice the bronzing on her forehead and cheekbones- makes her look like she just got a little sun on the beach.

And then, of course, her barely-there, shimmery, smokey eyes and perfectly groomed eyebrows.  Definitely makes her stare captivating.

ph: modelcandids.com

The Best, Cheapest Product You Don't Already Own

Exfoliating Bath Gloves

From this post you should know how I feel about exfoliating.  It is one of the best things you can do for your skin.  You shouldn't only worry about the skin on your face- your body is JUST as important.  I definitely could not live without my exfoliating gloves.  I always have a pair in my shower.

You will not find a better exfoliator than these... You can try scrubs, a loofah, etc... they will not beat the results you get with these little miracle workers.  The best part, they are usually about $5.00!!  

If you want proof they work well... run yourself a warm bath; soak for 15-20 minutes; lather up some bath gel in these gloves... then get to work scrubbing down your body.  Once you start draining your tub you will be GROSSED OUT at all the dead skin that will be in your tub.  Yes, this may sound disgusting, but it will prove to you how much dead skin you needed to slough off.

(To avoid this problem, I recommend soaking in the tub for awhile to soften your skin... then draining the tub to stand up and shower to use them.. This will help you avoid the nastiness!)

These really come in handy when you get a spray tan.  It will make your spray tan last a lot longer I promise.  I never get a spray tan (or shave my legs) without giving myself a vigorous scrub down to smooth my skin and rid it of all the dead skin.

In addition, these are extremely helpful for getting a closer shave, avoiding in-grown hairs, AND for helping you get rid of Keratosis Pilaris, the little bumps you can get on your the back of your arms or upper legs.

Last but not least, they make your skin SO SOFT!  

You're welcome in advance for how much you are going to love your new favorite beauty product!

Note: Be weary of the cheap ones you find in WalMart or at the Drug Store... there are definitely some that work a lot better than others and last a lot longer without falling apart!  The ones I'm linking to below are great and I also love the ones they sell at The Body Shop in the mall.

Here is a link to buy these on Amazon (for $5.59) with FREE SHIPPING!!!   :) 

                                                         

Met Gala 2013: My Fav Look

And the winner is....

Miranda Kerr was absolutely stunning at the 2013 Met Gala.  First, let me say how utterly disappointed I am in everyone who did not go with the "punk" theme.  What a disgrace!  Who doesn't love a dress theme?!

Ms. Kerr did it with elegance.  She still had the punk factor, but she was red carpet all the way in her Michael Kors dress.  Of course, with that body, anything would look fab on her.  Look at that stomach!  And please, ladies and gents, a moment of silence for that fabulous clutch.

Beauty Icon: Kate Bosworth

I love Kate Bosworth's style AND her makeup choices.  She always looks so naturally beautiful.  I truly believe someone is more eye-catching when they have a natural beauty as opposed to caking the makeup on.  She always look so young and fresh.  Here are a few of my favorite of Kate's looks and how to achieve that natural look yourself.  You'll notice she never does BOTH a dramatic eye and lip... it's always either or.

Left:  Flawless skin, minimal makeup, strong brows with a bold red lip.

Right:  Sheer coverage for your foundation or powder; eyes lined by waterlining the eye (lining the inner rim of your lash line); nude lip; pale blush.

Left: Smokey, shimmery eyes; bronzey blush; nude lip

Right: Minimal makeup; rosy cheeks; rosy lips

Left: Flawless, full-coverage foundation; light pink blush; cat eye eyeliner; long lashes; pale pink lips

Right: Sheer coverage foundation; rosy pink lipgloss

Left: Perfectly bronzed body; shimmery eyes; bronzer; earth tone blush; earth tone lips

Right: Minimal makeup; strong brows; play up the lashes; hot pink lipstick

ph: kate-bosworth.org