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.

Five Favorite Beauty Products

Once in a while, I get asked what products I use on my face and hair. Here are five favorites that I use on a daily basis (get it, basis...happy cooincidence).

#1 Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash 
This stuff is great. It really removes all the dirt, oil and makeup. I have tried many kinds of face wash and I keep coming back to this one. It's not heavy and I love the light fresh scent.

#2 L'Oreal Active Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15
After I wash my face, this moisturizer goes on. I shopped around for moisturizers that were light yet kept my face smooth but not oily. This one is my favorite because a little goes along way and the SPF is built in. It goes on like a dream and it's better than expensive department store brands. 

#3 Cover Girl Clean Pressed Powder
I've been using this one for years. Probably since 8th grade. Usually in classic beige. There's nothing like opening a new compact and swiping that soft cotton disc across smooth powder for the first time. Anyone else know what I mean? It's hypoallergenic, won't clog pores and it covers great. 

#4 Maybeline Define-A-Lash Volume Mascara
Can't forget the eyes. I have been a long time connoisseur of mascara and this one is my favorite. In black. I like the brush and I like how it coats my lashes. It's a little tough to take off, but that means it stays put throughout the day. Look for the one in the hot pink metallic tube. 

#5 Pantene Pro-V Fine Hair Solutions Flat to Volume Shampoo and Conditioner
It was like finding an old friend. I used to use Pantene in high school, then I switched to other brands, like Herbal Essences (which is still a good one). When they launched their new formulas and packaging, I tried a sample and was hooked again! The flat to volume shampoo and conditioner for fine hair feels like it was made for my tresses. It looks so healthy and shiny. My favorite part - my hair retains the fragrance long after I have blow dried and styled. I like having good smelling hair. Don't you?