Five Favorite Things

 

NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss, Sugar Pie
Every once in a while, I try new products and if I like them, I think it's worth sharing. I was looking for a new lip gloss, in that perfect "nude" shade. Not sparkly. Not sticky. Not expensive. Carmindy, on TLC's What Not To Wear (one of my favorite shows), always references a "nude lip" when she does makeovers. I found a good one by NYX (new brand to me) that was recommended by an employee at Ulta. It's a nice pale pink/nude color, with barely a hint of shimmer (no obnoxious sparkles), it's not sticky, it smells/tastes like candy, and it was just $4.99

Essie Nail Polish, Peach Daiquri

I also picked up an Essie nail polish while I was at Ulta (I wanted to use my $3.50 off coupon). I recently tried Essie for the first time and was impressed with the quality and durability of the polish, as well as the trendy colors. I normally don't pay more than $5 for nail polish (this was $8) but the coupon helped. Peach Daiquri is a perfect bright pink for spring/summer!

Bath and Body Works, Stress Relief Eucalyptus Tea Body Wash

As you know, I can't get enough of BBW's eucalyptus spearmint scented everything (lotion, body wash, home fragrance, pillow mist, hand soap, I love it all). Now, there's another scent coming in at a close second - eucalyptus tea. Andrew gave me the body wash/foam bath for my birthday and it smells heavenly. So fresh, clean, spa-like. I highly recommend it.

 

Crystal Essence, Mineral Deodorant Roll-On Lavender and White Tea

Normally, I wouldn't be talking about deodorant. But have you read any articles lately about the potentially harmful effects of aluminum in antiperspirants etc.? It feels like I've been on a life long "quest" to find the "right" deodorant (for various reasons), and the idea of something natural, without harmful ingredients sounds really appealing. So, I'm giving this one a try. It's a roll-on with a nice scent, but it does take some getting used to. It's not an antiperspirant, but it does battle odor-causing bacteria. So far, I like it. I've been giving it the sniff test throughout the day and so far so good (I think). 

Ninja Mega Kitchen System 1500
I have my husband to thank for this amazing machine. He really wanted one of these and did a lot of research (and watched the infomercial, repeatedly). I've always loved making smoothies. Lately, "super smoothies" and juicing have become very popular. Healthy recipes and energy boosting drinks include fruits as well as vegetables, protein powders, yogurt - you name it. Our favorite smoothies include frozen fruit (strawberries, pineapple, blueberries, peaches), greek yogurt, orange juice and sometimes spinach. It's a great breakfast, especially since this set comes with to-go travel cups. We also picked this one because it also has a food processor. I've never had one, and now we can make hummus, pesto, dips, dough, and other meal ideas. It was definitely an investment, but we got it at Bed Bath and Beyond with a 20% off coupon. I'm impressed with it's speed and versatility and it's pretty easy to clean.

Favorite Things

And just like that, Christmas is 2 weeks away! There have been so many fun things going on this month - crafting, shopping, Christmas decorating, home re-decorating, celebrations and parties. I haven't forgotten about you blog friends, I just haven't had the time to re-cap everything as I'd like to! Trust me, there is lots to share. Hopefully I'll be back to my regularly scheduled blogging in the new year!

In the mean time, I'm sharing a few of my favorite things at the moment. 

McDonald's Peppermint Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Mocha. Nothing shakes off winter's chill like hot chocolate! What's better than hot chocolate? Peppermint hot chocolate. Or, if you need a caffeinated boost, a peppermint mocha. Espresso + milk + chocolate + peppermint = pure delight. Both are soooo delicious. The perfect early morning/afternoon/evening treat. 

Bath and Body Works Cashmere Glow. By now, you probably know I have a deep love for Bath and Body Works products. Darn them and all their coupons, email deals and gorgeous direct mail pieces! Not to mention their continuous flow of breathtaking packaging, year after year. Sigh. The latest scent I have fallen for is Cashmere Glow. "An enticing blend of shimmering vanilla and golden peach wrapped in soft cashmere musk." Yes, please. I am now enjoying the shower gel, lotion and mini eau de toilette (perfume). 

Bath and Body Works Sparkling Icicles Scented Candle. Another enticing winner from BBW. This candle is intoxicating. "Sweet moss and bergamot adorned with a citrus bouquet." I don't even know what sweet moss or bergamot smell like, but it is good. Reminds me of a light men's cologne. In fact, I wish this scent was available as a cologne because I would have already bought it for my husband. Light, fresh and masculine.

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Nail Polish in Brilliant Bordeaux. My current favorite nail polish, and a long-time favorite color. It's that dark, rich, sparkly wine color that looks great, especially in the winter months. The Diamond Strength brand is pretty true to it's name. Two coats lasts quite a while. 

Old Navy's Rock Star Jeans. Yes, I know, everyone and their sister probably own a pair of these by now. I have a black pair and I'm contemplating getting a color, especially since they're starting to be on sale/clearance. They are super comfortable and fun to mix and match. I actually wish I could wear mine everyday. They don't really look like true "jeans", so you can dress them up or wear them casual. My one suggestion: try on many different sizes - they are all over the board and vary from color to color. 

These are a few of my favorite things. All of which would make nice gifts too - McD's gift card, a spa themed basket of lotion, candles and nail polish, or a great pair of pants. Which color Rock Star's would you rock?

Things I Like

I've been diggin' a few things lately, so I thought I'd share them with you. First, a very tasty salad from Panera Bread - Fuji Apple Chicken. Or you can get the new Roasted Turkey Fuji Apple. It's got all-natural, antibiotic-free chicken (or roasted turkey), mixed field greens, romaine lettuce, vine-ripened tomatoes, red onions, pecans, Gorgonzola, apple chips and white balsamic apple vinaigrette. Sooo good. And that dressing - yum. 

JCPenny or JCP, has given their brand a complete makeover, including the look and feel of their stores, pricing structure and products. No more coupons needed, midnight madness sales or door busters. They have lowered their prices and they offer month-long values. 

I like their new "fair and square" positioning and revamped marketing. Their commercials, direct mail pieces and store signage are cute and clever. I'm also impressed with their clothing and merchandise. Each time I stop in, I seem to find something I like, and the prices are great. While browsing the sale/clearance rack, I found shirts for $4, dresses for $7 and sweaters for $6. I've even been pleasantly surprised upon checkout to learn that my items were even less than they were marked. Score! Well done JCP. I hardly used to shop there, now you can't keep me away. 

Conair You Curl XL Hair Styling Iron. I bought this curling "wand" a few months ago (from Ulta, when it was on sale) and I really like it. It did take a while to get the hang of using it. There's no clamp like a regular curling iron, so I had to learn to wrap and hold my hair without burning my fingers! It does come with a partial "glove" which I found difficult to maneuver with. 

It helps me get curls/waves like this. Some days are better than others. It does take a bit longer to curl all my hair, especially since my hair is so long. What's great though, is that the heat (up to 400 degrees F!) holds my hair for a long time. I usually still have nice loose waves through the next day. Definitely worth the effort. 

Ulta eye shadow in "Seashell." This is a really nice eye shadow. It goes on silky smooth and comes in over 90 shades! I used my free reward coupon last month to try this color. It's very pretty and perfect for spring/summer.

Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato. I think the chilled version of the caramel macchiato has been around for a while, but I only recently tried it. And fell in love with it. Of course. It's got espresso, vanilla syrup, milk and buttery caramel sauce. Hello! Certainly not an every-day treat, but a once-in-a-while-need-to-indulge treat. Thanks to my gift card.

A Few Favorite Things

You know when you find a product or something you like that makes you want to twirl around a blossoming meadow with mountains in the distance? It's a pretty good feeling. Sometimes it's for big things and sometimes it's the little things in life. These are a few of my faves that I'm digging right now. 

Wet n Wild Megalast Nail Color 
I know, I know ladies, Wet n Wild brand was for junior high. But hear me out, it's still good! I picked up a bottle this summer, because I liked the shade "heatwave" (a very punchy poppy-orange-red) and it was cheap. I found out the name "Megalast" really holds true. This stuff lasts a week or more with two coats. I keep coming back to this color. I think it's my new favorite, at about $1.99.

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color 
Also at the top of my list for nail color. It will cost you a bit more, about $5, but they weren't kidding when they named it "Insta-Dry." It's perfect if you're like me and often paint your nails before bed - no more sheet imprints! Or before you're heading out the door. One coat will do the trick, or you can use two. Plus it lasts a week or more! I actually have it in this pretty color "Lively Lilac." 

John Frieda Precision Foam Colour 
You know it's for real when they spell color with a "u." If you color your own hair, this little box will change your world. I don't have the money to get my hair done professionally on a regular basis, so when those pesky gray hairs start showing up (yes, I have gray hairs, sigh), I try to color it myself. I've used multiple brands and had varying success. This is probably the only hair color I will use from now on. Why? Because it's applied as a thick luxurious foam. No drips, oozing bottles or messy application. I know I sound like a commercial, but it's true. It doesn't have a horrible odor and they provide black gloves that actually fit. Available in 20 shades for about $12.99. Compared to salon prices that's a steal! You can even use the shade selector tool on the website. I've used it twice and both times was very happy with the even coverage and ease of use. And it's all thanks to Kristy for giving me some coupons! 

Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss
I don't shop at VS often, but when they mail me a $10 coupon to use on anything, I know not to let a good thing go to waste. My goal was to find something for exactly $10, which was a bit of a challenge. Their Beauty Rush lip gloss was on sale for 2 for $12. I picked out two natural looking shades, one with shimmer and one without. I really like them! They go on very smooth, aren't horribly sticky (still sticky though) and stay on your lips for a long time. And they taste/smell like candy. Thumbs up. 

Simply Vera Wang for Kohl's Leggins 
These are the best leggins I have found, and I was looking for ones like this for a while. I wanted thick material (not tights), that felt like stretch pants. They are available in ankle length and cropped style. I have them in black and brown and I love wearing them. They're usually around $15-$20, but they were on sale and I used a coupon. Kohl's is always running some sort of sale or coupon. Perfect with boots and long sweaters. 

Peppermint
I know Christmas is over, but I've been on a peppermint kick lately. Peppermint hot chocolate. Peppermint Patties. Peppermint candies. Peppermint lattes. Peppermint lip balm. I tend to latch on to certain flavors for a while, have them all the time, then get sick of them. Right now I'm riding the peppermint train. Next stop, who knows?

Favorite Fall Treats

The air is getting colder. The leaves are turning red and gold (and falling). It's definitely scarf wearing weather. I have a list of treats with fall flavors that make me not mind the cooler temperatures. What better way to start the day, than with Starbucks Perfect Oatmeal? It really is the best oatmeal to-go. 100% whole grain oats, with separate toppings like brown sugar, dried fruit and mixed nuts. It's warm and scrumptious on those chilly mornings. I would have to agree that it really is pretty perfect. 

What's the perfect beverage to go with your perfect oatmeal? Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice. Steamed apple juice, sweetened with cinnamon syrup, topped with whipped cream and caramel. I just love these! 

My other weakness is Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. Espresso, pumpkin-flavored syrup and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices. So delicious! 

When I'm not at the Starbuck's drive-through, I might be at McDonald's for their Fruit and Maple Oatmeal, which comes in at a close second. 100% whole gain oats with brown sugar, a touch of cream and dried fruit and fresh apples. I do like the fresh apples and the more affordable price. 

Moving on to muffins. Tim Horton's has a pumpkin spice muffin with a dollop of icing in the middle and (what I think are) pumpkin seeds on the outside. Really tasty. But it's seasonal, so enjoy them while you can!

Wegmans has a mean whole wheat pumpkin muffin, (not pictured) which is a good source of fiber and is absolutely delicious.

Last week I stumbled upon a flavor that I didn't know existed - Abbots Pumpkin Frozen Custard (not pictured). If you're not familiar with Abbots, their custard is richer and creamier than regular ice cream. It's a must have during summer in Rochester. It was like chilled creamy pumpkin pie - I loved it! 

Although Dunkin Donuts isn't at the top of my list, I really like their pumpkin coffee. Great for those mornings when I need a boost of energy!


Are you hungry yet? Those are a few of my favorite fall treats that make saying "See ya next year" to summer, a little less painful. Anything pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, or caramel flavored gets me excited. Here's to the flavors of fall!

Favorite Things: McDonald's Hazelnut Iced Coffee with Low Fat Milk

This is perfection. With a straw. To go.

McDonald's hazelnut iced coffee with low fat milk is my favorite. Let me stress the low fat milk part again. If you get regular milk, it's too sweet with not enough coffee flavor. I would categorize myself as an occasional coffee drinker. I don't need a cup o' joe every day. But on those extra sleepy mornings, when I need some get-up-'n-go, this does it. I especially love hazelnut.

I think I've tried most of the iced coffee's in town. Dunkin' Donuts, Tim Horton's, Jitter's, Starbucks. There's just something about McDonald's coffee. And a medium is reasonably priced around $2.29. Prices and participation may vary. Do I sound like one of their commercials or what? Maybe McDonald's will see this endorsement and give me free iced coffee for life. Hurry! Tell your friends!

So, what coffee do you coffee-lovers prefer? Hot? Cold? Do you have a favorite brand? Or will any cup of java do? Do tell. It's time for coffee talk.