The Sarcastic Blonde

fashion, food, fitness + a dose of sarcastic gossip

beauty, beauty products, health, Lifestyle

:: Health + Wellness : Freezer Fudge, Natural Deodorant, Favorite Weekday Foods ::

Today we’re going to talk about Deodorant and Chocolate, because those go hand in hand, right??

I have known for awhile that “traditional” deodorant like Secret/Dove/etc is filled with things that are bad for you. 

A few of these reasons :
They contain toxic chemicals.  And your skin can absorb toxins more easily than eating them because they enter the bloodstream without being filtered.  They disrupt your hormones.  They contain aluminum and parabens which is linked to bad stuff.

I just wasn’t ready to switch.  Because I had heard it takes a while to find one that works.  Because I had heard the natural deodorant’s don’t work.  Because to be honest I just wasn’t interested in sweating and smelling gross.

But in an effort to be healthier in more ways, I figured this should be next on the list of things to try.
I know, I know –  basically everything it seems is “bad for you.”

And who knows, my love of fast food french fries is definitely probably worse for me than my Secret Deodorant…. but guess what? I won’t be giving up french fries.  I am, however, willing to try a natural deodorant.  Pick your battles.

SO.  All of you lovely ladies on instagram let me know your favorite deodorants.

and then honorable mentions…..
Vapour Beauty, Nubian Heritage, Primally Pure, American Provenance, and Bali Secrets. 

I went ahead and ordered the 3 Pack Trial Set from Native (the SENSITIVE kind, as suggested by all of you) and have been using it for almost 3 weeks.
(I ordered this sample pack of the classic 3 sensitive scents. )
I wanted to wait a little while before talking about it because they say it can take 2 weeks or more for your body to adjust.

And I can say : I will be sticking with the natural deodorant route!
It definitely has a different consistency and doesn’t “glide” on, but that’s fine.
And the scents are not strong in any way, they are actually barely noticeable, but that is fine too.
I have done a sniff test after my super sweaty spin class and to my knowledge all is good. (Please, if you are at a workout class with me and you notice otherwise, let me know).
But also, I shower immediately after a sweaty workout anyway – so I don’t really care either way!?
And for the record, I do not glow, I SWEAT.

My scalp and face actually sweat more than my underarms, which I have always hated, but perhaps in this case it is doing me a favor.
I did feel like I my underarms sweat a tiny bit more during my workouts than usual, but then again I could just be imagining it? Because I never gave much thought to my armpits before trying this natural deodorant route?
You can use this code they sent for a free mini travel deodorant with purchase. 

Everyone says it can take a while for one to work, and also that you may need to try more than one and experiment to see what works for your body.  So I consider myself lucky that this worked the first time! But it definitely was the one that most of you overwhelmingly said worked for you!
and don’t forget to try sensitive! I’m glad I got that tip because I have sensitive skin to begin with! 

I will say this: I will likely keep my other deodorant for dressy occasions like a wedding or something
because I trust that the clear gel won’t get on my fancy clothes!

OH, and to play both sides, this article states that most of what is said about deodorant and the things that are bad for you are myths…. so whatever.
You do you.
We’re probably more likely to die walking out the door each day than from deodorant of course…. so keep eating those french fries ladies.  Ya only live once!
#Hypocrite and Hashtag I couldn’t care less.  Sorry not sorry.

BUT I was happily surprised to like it and not feel like a smelly beast.  So I consider it a win!

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Freezer Fudge

I wanted to share an easy and healthy dessert or snack with you today.
I have talked about Kelly LeVeque and her book Body Love before on the blog.
I make a version of her Fab 4 Smoothie every morning for breakfast and have completely jumped on the smoothie bandwagon thanks to her.
She does such a great job explaining why having the right protein/fat/fiber/greens combo can shut down your hunger hormones and keep you full for hours, plus tons more, in her book.  I can’t recommend it enough!

Well…. during my 31 Day Challenge of daily workouts (almost done! 2 days to go!) I have unfortunately been baking and eating a fair amount of desserts.  Whoops! I like baking on Sundays…. and it’s been cold and rainy…. so…. ya know.

But I decided it was time to try this Freezer Fudge recipe that I had read about and sounded like a great treat.
It’s basically a healthy fat bomb to satisfy the craving without sending you spiraling into a sugar coma.

I made mine with a little bit of PB2, because let’s be honest, I am obsessed with PB2 and who doesn’t love the taste of peanut butter with their chocolate?!
I ordered the rubber ice cube molds off of Amazon to make it easy to pop them out of the tray!
After taking them out of the mold, I just stored them in a ziplock bag in the freezer, which you will want to do because they melt at room temperature.

Save Print
Freezer Fudge
Author: 
Recipe type: dessert or snack
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 12 cubes
 
A healthy dessert or snack when you have a sweet tooth craving.
Ingredients
  • 1 cup coconut oil
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 8-10 drops liquid stevia
  • ¼ -1/2 cup Almond Butter (Optional if you desire a thicker consistency. I used PB2 instead)
  • Maldon or Pink salt (Optional)
Instructions
  1. Melt Coconut Oil in glass pyrex bowl.
  2. Whisk in coco powder and stevia. (and almond butter if you don't love coconut oil consistency)
  3. Pour into ice cube tray.
  4. Sprinkle with Salt
  5. Freeze. Fudge is ready in 20 minutes

I also did a separate post with this recipe right beforehand so it is easier to search for on the site!
You can find all the recipes under the RECIPE tab up top!
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A few meals that have been on heavy rotation lately :
(and to clarify, just during the week. This is not the weekend food at all.)

GG Crackers Pizza’s – this was our happy hour treat Friday before dinner.  Kip has finally come around to them.  The cracker has no taste so you have to doctor them up!
cracker, rao’s pizza sauce, mrs. dash italian seasoning, some cottage cheese, part skim mozarella, parmesan

I order my crackers off of Amazon but you can find them at Whole Foods sometimes too! (for some reason right now it is slim picking for them on Amazon, and the sellers that have them have them at a crazy higher price?!))

Breakfast Smoothie (Fab 4 Smoothie, but I add half a frozen banana so it’s not completely fruit free).
1/2 a frozen Banana, almond milk, scoop of perfect fit vanilla protein, tablespoon of hemp hearts, tablespoon of chia seeds, tablespoon of MCT Oil, 2 tablespoons of PB2, scoop of greens powder, and a handful of spinach

Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Stir Fry – this is such an easy 5 minute meal.  I’ll top it with a Veggie Burger, crushed up GG Crackers, and Siracha

Garbage Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette – I have been loving this Salad Dressing

Let me know any great websites for recipe inspiration
or other health and wellness products you all are enjoying!!

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beauty, beauty products, fashion, Fitness, health, Lifestyle

:: Wellness : Dermaplaning, Gym Shoes, and more ::

I have a few Wellness Updates for you today!

I wanted to talk a bit about skincare for today’s Wellness post!
I have been taking skincare more seriously for the past 2 years or so, and my interest was mostly brought on by the emergence of my melasma, which has been an ongoing struggle.  As someone who always loved to be in the sun and get a tan, I have realized it gets REALLY bad really quickly with my sun exposure.  I don’t think the dark spots will ever go away fully (unless I do seriously intense treatment, that then any sun exposure can reverse, so it’s just not worth it).

I started using Rodan and Fields over a year ago and have seen a huge huge improvement.  I also have gotten much better about keeping my face out of the sun, wearing hats at the beach, and wearing 50+ SPF on my face.
But still…. the sun finds a way to get there!  Sometimes I’m great with a floppy hat, othertimes just a baseball cap and then parts of my face are in the sun, and sometimes no hat and it’s just gonna happen.

I have been curious about other skincare treatments but so many of them are too scary…
….like laser treatment that would keep me looking crazy for a few days after…..  I think we all remember Samantha and her chemical peel that led to her wearing a black veil to the book launch (ps…. Kim Catrall has offically lost it)

…..to treatments that my dermatologist recommends and sound incredible, but they are just way too expensive for me to be able to afford.

BUT something that seemed doable and affordable was Dermaplaning.

Dermaplaning : AKA shaving your face with a realllll close shave.

I’ve got to say, Caroline Manzo was on to something all these years with shaving her face.  I remember thinking this was the most horrifying thing in the world and simply insane – but hey! She should have named it and mass marketed it apparently!

I had heard about dermaplaning awhile ago but never had really considered it because I just assumed that hair would grow back thicker or darker.
gross but true story : when I was little and wasn’t allowed to shave yet, but I was jealous that my older sister was shaving, I shaved my toes and fingers because I knew it was a spot that wouldn’t get noticed and get me in trouble…… guess who STILL has to shave her toes to this day? TMI?
but I digress….
SO clearly from that horrific experience that I’ve had to deal with for the past 20 years, I feared that my blonde peach fuzz would grow back thicker and darker.

I had been assured by those that had dermaplaned before that it wouldn’t happen….. so I finally bit the bullet.

I tried to get pics, but with the things covering my eyes it was nearly impossible.
I snapped this lovely gem before the procedure for you though!

It didn’t hurt at all, but it is definitely a very, VERY sharp blade.  Around my nose it was a little sensitive because I think it was hard to get the best angles. It felt amazing afterwards. Your skin is as smooth as a baby’s bottom.

This is me in the car on the way home.  Don’t mind my beautiful brown spots.  For me, this is some seriously glowy skin.  And it got even better the next couple of days.  Your make up goes on so so smooth and you get that dewy look even without make up.
// SNAP PULLOVER // in all sizes in 3 colors – I’m in size S

I mean…..
I basically look like a bonafide J.Lo, don’t you think??

I learned a good tip from a friend.  Next time I will do it at the dermatologist most likely.  At a dermatologist office it is considered a “medical procedure” so you don’t have to tip which saves a good amount of cash!

OH.  And it’s been just over a month since I got this done…. so I am not as “glowy” as before, and I have peach fuzz back on my face.
BUT I wanted to make sure that I actually liked it and that it made somewhat of a difference before writing about it.
My co-worker commented that my skin looked different and that she couldn’t figure out what it was but that it looked great, so that made me feel like perhaps it was as noticeable as I was hoping it would be!
Even though it has been a month, my skin is still much smoother than it was pre-dermaplaning.  Peach fuzz has grown back but it’s much less and more fine than it was before.

They sell a bunch of at-home dermaplaning tools, but I have never tried them!?

They do have some that are as little as $5 and others that go up to $75.
OH. I do use a little shaver for my nose hairs.… while I’m sharing it all I might as well share that!
update: for the inexpensive Tinkle razors, people messaged that they are amazing!
make sure to check Amazon reviews for authentic razor – I have updated the link to what seems to be an authentic set!

Let me know when you’re ready for a beauty tutorial…. I’m totally an expert.

:: PINK SNEAKERS ::
I know I talked about athletic shoes and my hunt for sneakers on here for quite some time, so I had to share my final purchase. 
I am uhb-sessed with my new kicks.
After a huge debate, that included asking all of you for sneaker recommendations, you all recommended the following:

Nike’s have just never cut it for me.  When I jog or run they slip and never stay put.  I used New Balance a few years ago and liked those, but I have worn Asics for the past two years and figured I should probably just stick with those. But I was DESPERATE for a pair or blush or pink sneakers! All of the cute ones were brands I didn’t think would work for workouts, and I try to wear sandals when running my errands instead of sneaks so I didn’t want to spend money on a cute pair to not work out in.
ANYWAYS, when I finally came across these Asics I bought them immediately.

// ASICS // come in several color combinations
I am normally a true size 8, and my past Asics have been a size 8, but I ordered these in 8 and 8.5 to try, and the 8.5 fit much better.  So I suggest ordering one half size up.

:: Silk Pillowcase ::

Speaking of skin care, a silk pillowcase has been on my list for a long time.  But I wasn’t wanting to shell out the cash for this one.

I somehow came across this PJ Harlow set of 2 silk pillowcases for $32 on a flash sale and immediately ordered.  It took a couple of weeks for them to arrive, but now they are here and I couldn’t be happier!
they now are back to $64 for two, but that still seems to be the best deal I have seen! 
“They” say sleeping on a silk pillowcase helps with wrinkles, prevents those creases on your face from your pillowcase and also helps with your hair and prevents bedhead.

update : I found this set of two pillows on Nordstrom for $63!!

:: 31 Day Challenge :: 
Today marks day 23 on my 31 Day Challenge and so far, so good! I struggle the days that I workout in the morning to wake up, but once I am at the class, I am so glad that I got up and have my night time free (ya know, for important things like TV, TV, some instastories, TV, and food). Kip and I have been working out together on the weekends and making it to morning spin class so that makes it easy to have a set workout time for Sundays.  My clothes are fitting the best they have since Thanksgiving, so it’s definitely been successful in shedding the extra holiday love.  I haven’t been as great with getting to bed early, but I have read a few nights before bed instead of working on my laptop.  And I’ve tried a few new recipes, although not all have been ones worthy of sharing.
I’ll do a more in depth post on that when the 31 Days are up!

 

 

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beauty, beauty products, Lifestyle

:: Beauty Favorites ::

I haven’t seen an ounce of television in 13 days (who’s counting?)
so my apologies for no Coffee Talk again this week!

Instead, I wanted to share two of my favorite products beauty with today!
ya know….since I am such a beauty product connoisseur.
and the last time I washed my bronzer brush I bought 2 years ago at CVS was…. ohhhhh….. never. 

I have only had one facial in my life.  I wish I could say that it was before my wedding or something of that sort, but it was when Kip and I were moving from Chicago and I had an unused gift certificate to a salon across from our apartment to use. Instead of a massage I opted for a facial and loved it! My favorite part of the entire experience was when she removed my blackheads. I had naively been thinking I had fairly “good” skin and didn’t realize that was something I desperately needed!

Also, if any of you have a facialist or a place you recommend in the Atlanta area please let me know! 

I don’t know about you, but in high school we always used those Biore Blackhead strips that went across your nose (or chin or forehead) and when you ripped them off (sometimes quite literally, and it would take a layer of skin with it) you would see all the little black dots that satisfyingly came with it!

Within the last few months, since I was desperate for a facial but didn’t know who to go see, I had been buying several things at the drugstore, including the Biore brand.  Nothing worked.  The strips didn’t remove a thing (for myself or for my husband.  And skin things are one of the few things he will be a guinea pig with – he actually is better with washing his face than I am!)

I had posted on the blog about not finding anything to get rid of my blackheads, and a sweet reader named Nancy e-mailed to say she would send me a sample of a mask to try.  A few weeks after trying other products with no success, I figured what the heck, and she kindly sent me a sample of a dream potion. The mask is BeautyCounter’s Charcoal Mask #3.  I loved it so much after one use that I went online and bought the full size bottle immediately.  Seriously.

And don’t worry – I paid for this mask full price with my own cash! I love my R+F, which I also pay for every 60 days, but I have used several masks and never found anything that works except this! 

AND the bottle is absolutely gorgeous. Which is just an added bonus.

I had heard about charcoal being great for your skin and all sorts of charcoal beauty products, but it was crazy putting this on!! You apply a layer all over your face, and within minutes will start to see black spots all across your pores where the blackheads are.  When I washed it off, I was shocked at how great of a job it did with removing my blackheads.  (I was also disgusted with how many large black spots showed up on my face, hence why I know I am in dire need of a facial – send recommendations ASAP!) .

Also – allow me to share a hideous and embarassing photo of myself using the mask! And this was my second time using the mask about 2 weeks later, I don’t even want to share the first time….. the amount of dark spots was horrifying. (My girlfriends that saw my snapchat of the first use would agree).

I probably shouldn’t share that, but I humiliate myself regularly here, so why stop now.

I truly can’t recommend it enough – and if you are interested, feel free to send Nancy an e-mail to ask any questions because one try was all it took for me to order it on the spot.  You can also check out her Beauty Counter Shop here.  

Another beauty product I wanted to share is a make-up product.  If you have been reading for awhile you know I am not a beauty or make-up person – I like to keep things simple! But I kept noticing a certain someones skin looking great and I knew from my genius-level-of-reality-television-knowledge that she did not have the greatest skin in real life and that she had commented on it before.

Feel free to judge, but I am talking about Ms. Stassi Shroeder of Vanderpump Rules.  I can’t remember what podcast that she was a guest on, but someone asked her about her skin or she said she always gets complimented on her skin despite having acne and that it’s all thanks to this one product.

 Sephora Perfect Mist Airbrush Foundation.  

So the last time I was at the mall, I decided instead of my Maybelline BB Cream mixed with moisturizer, I would try some of this for weekends when I wear more makeup and I love it. I got a travel size brush because I was at the checkout counter line and apparently they have Sephora set up like Marshalls/Home Goods/ TJ Maxx and they like to prey on the weak and convince them they need more things that they do not 🙂

Anyways, I really like the light coverage the spray foundation gives but it definitely does makes my skin look far better than when I wake up!

SO.  I am as far down on the list as it goes for beauty blogging, but these are two things that I use and love!

I’d love to know what skincare and make-up products you swear by as well!

I’d also love to know how amazing Bravo has been – OC Premiere, Southern Charm Reunion, NY Housewives trip to Mexico, and Big Brother…. so without spoilers, feel free to share how enriched your lives have been from hours in front of the TV while I have been away…..  

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beauty, beauty products

:: My Skincare Routine ::

I have been debating this post for months now!  The main reason: because I didn’t want to share a before and after because WOWZA do close up’s of your face where you aren’t smiling really knock your self confidence down a notch (orrrrrr 12.)
I mean….. in some of these photos tucked safely on my phone, I look like Charlize Theron in Monster.
I would insert a funny gif from that movie, but nothing about that image is funny.  

But I digress…… so I decided to finally share what I have used and loved, but perhaps wait on some of the selfie shots 🙂

ALSO, let me say that Romana played a big role in me deciding to share my use of these products.  That’s right, Miss Pinot Grigio “The Apologizer” Turtle Time Ramona Singer.  In the first episode of the season, when she is seductively walking her contractor through her home in a neglige and a face mask, I couldn’t help but notice that Rodan and Fields was on the counter and that the mask she was wearing must be one of theirs.  So a quick google revealed that yes: She has expanded her empire from cross necklaces, to Pinot Grigio, ,and now to Rodan and Fields.

and that is when I knew…. the Bravo-Gods were sending me a message. Sure, she’s insane, but so am I, and her skin is looking pretty darn good if I do say so myself.

Let me preface all of this by saying : I do not sell Rodan and Fields, I personally pay for every single 60 Day Delivery, and I started using it in September 2016 (7 months ago) when my Melasma and sun spots were at an all time high.  I wanted to wait and give it time to give an honest opinion. 

About 3 or 3 and half years ago, when Kip and I were engaged, I started noticing something on my upper lip.  A ‘stache.  But not one of hair.  Far sexier.  One that you can’t wax away!  A darker upper lip.  It started so slowly that I thought I was imagining it.  But sure enough, especially after sun exposure, I could see it.  My husband said I was crazy ( he is blind) and it progressed to a darker upper lip with a dark, dark brown line where someone would apply lip liner.  It made me nuts!

I had confided in a friend about the lip, and she texted me one night (Super Bowl Night…. that’s how much this affected me, I remember it perfectly!) that a girl there was talking about the same thing, and that it was called Melasma. Good old Melasma.  For most women, this only happens to them during pregnancy because it is related to your hormones.  But lucky me! Months before my wedding I was getting some ‘stache action!

I learned about the importance of avoiding the sun and started smearing SPF 50 on my upper lip any time I would exposed to the sun and it helped, but it never went away.   I learned the only thing to really get rid of it is an intense laser – which was not an option for me to go into hiding post-laser – and also that even with the laser, once you are back in the sun, you take away the effects of the laser treatment.

So I got smart about smearing the stick of super high SPF and got on with it. But over the last 3 years, it spread to my forehead where it turns into a brown spot that as it darkens looks more and more like a heart (I try to find the silver lining – how precious! A heart on my forehead!).  And also a large spot on my left cheek bone.

So, finally, after last summer where I was in the sun constantly after moving home to Atlanta and having a pool in the backyard, I decided that when summer ended I would do something about it.  And I reluctantly bit the bullet and gave Rodan and Fields a try.  It had a 60 Day Money Back Guarantee on the products, so I figured it was worth it to give it a shot.

I took the horrifying close-up before photos September 5th, and haven’t looked back.  It has worked WONDERS on my wrinkles, brightness, complexion, and most importantly,  has helped more than anything ever has with my Melasma.  For me it is worth every penny, and my 60 Day Supply always lasts me longer than that.

I waited 7 whole months before ever saying I used it because I wanted to make sure it was something I really loved.  And again, I pay for it and none of this is an advertisement . Just me being happy with the product!  I know it’s annoying to see it advertised everywhere, and you may have friends that have nagged you to try it, but for me, I’m really really glad I tried it.   I have been using their “Reverse” this whole time to help with the dark spots, but I am going to add in some of the “Redefine” on my next order to help more with the wrinkles.

I had used the Philosophy Anti-Wrinkle Creams before getting R&F, and kept using them in addition to it.  I have just now run out of the jars.  I really liked them, but am open to trying something else if any of you have recommendations!!
(Oh and I also used these retinol pads once a week and really liked them!)
I like the R+F Sunscreen for daytime but needed something else for my nighttime moisturizer. 

For Make Up Remover, I am so glad I started using the Simple Miscellar Make Up Remover because I love it – you all were 100% right with your rave reviews about it!


I just finished up this whole bottle of Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM.
My mom had gotten it and given it to me, and I really love it.
I use this on my neck and chest, but it can be used on your face as well.
I will be ordering another bottle ASAP.  I love, love, loved it – and it lasted a super long time too!
It feels so good on your skin and I swear it has helped my chest lines in a big way. (I thought the perk of a small chest is you don’t get lines like this, but NOOPPEE. 30 comes knocking and it all goes downhill!)

My latest and newest switch is from NeuLash over to Rodan and Fields Lash Boost.

I waited until I was all done with my NeuLash bottle to switch, but I was excited to try it not only because I had heard good things,  but because Latisse and NeuLash always irritated my eyes.

When I was engaged I used Latisse leading up to the wedding and it made my lashes SO LONG but it made my eyes SO RED. And itchy.  Friends and family would ask me what was wrong because it would look like I had been crying. This is when I discovered under eye concealer (a little late in life) and started using it to cover up the redness.  Why I didn’t just stop using the Latisse I have no idea. Oh…. I was a Bride-to-Be and dammit I wanted lashes! (it’s called false lashes for the day of, but again, I’m a moron).

Then I heard about NeuLash and switched to that and really liked it.  It didn’t irritate my eyes the way that Latisse did, but it did still leave them very red in the corners as if I had spent a ton of time rubbing them.  Again, I wanted the long lashes! So I kept using it.  It was better than the Latisse so I figured why not.

I was interested to see if Lash Boost would cause the same problems.  I am 4 weeks in, and there is no irritation.
I started with every other night to try to get my eyes used to it for the first two weeks, so I’m sure that helped, but now I use it every night and have no problems.  It’s super easy ,just one sweep across each lash line and ready for bed.  I can already tell that it is working – they are longer and slightly thicker – and I am excited to see what happens at week 8 and 12.  I will share my results for that (cough: as long as I can find a selfie where I don’t look like a a lunatic!).

My friend Megan offered a lovely deal to you when I told her I was finally going to share my skincare routine post!  And just in time for the warm weather –
Free Sunless Tanner with any order through the End of April! 

I also think this deal is amazing because I have heard about 25 people say their friend so-and-so annoys them to buy product, so a perfect solution is to go through someone that isn’t a friend because you know they won’t drive you insane and hassle you!
Just a thought 🙂

The tanner retails for $26 and is 4.2 ounces, it promises zero odor and no streaky orange color! The photo above is from one of her customers.
I haven’t tried the tanner myself yet, but I’m going to be ordering some of the eye cream that seems to work wonders to get the free tanner sent my way, and I’ll share my results when I do!

As I said earlier, I use the Reverse Line currently from R+F, but they have a lot more products than just what I use, and have anything you would need to focus on whatever is most important to you about your skin :
Anti-Aging, Acne Prone Skin, Age Spots, Sensitive Skin, etc.
They have a little Solution Tool where you can answer questions to find out what regimen is best for you.

If you aren’t wanting to commit to skincare,
but have thought about trying a product to make your lashes thicker/fuller/longer, I highly recommend Lash Boost.  As someone who used Latisse for about 8 months, and Neulash for at least a year and a half, Lash Boost has already far surpassed them by NOT making me look like I’ve been crying or haven’t slept but still gives me the lash help that I desperately need!!

Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments or e-mailing me!
I mean…. I basically look like Christie Brinkley now.  It’s unreal.

Well…. maybe not Christie Brinkley…..
but at least Ramona ……

And you can visit Megan’s Site to get more information, or shoot her an e-mail at macorgan@gmail.com
for a FREE TANNING LOTION with any purchase through the End of April! 

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beauty products, favorite things, Lifestyle

:: Beautycounter ::

I am the first one to admit that I sometimes can be of the mindset that ‘ignorance is bliss’.
Sure, I like educating myself and learning new things, but when it comes to things that affect my daily habits, I always felt that what you don’t know can’t hurt you.
Do I want to watch documentaries about why fast food is bad for you?
Hell to the No…. because I love fast food and want to be able to enjoy it on the occasions when I do eat it! I’m not a moron, I know it’s bad for you, but I WANT IT. 
Do I want to watch a documentary about meat and animal products?
ummmmmmmm NO.    
Of course I am 100% not for animal cruelty and want to eat organic meats 
(I wish I could shop at HASHTAG WHOLE PAYCHECK all the time, but I can’t. TJ’s is my jam), 
but I’m realistic and I eat crap all the time — and I will never be vegetarian, I like cheeseburgers too much so I don’t think I need those visuals in my head!
HOWEVER, I’ve been taking steps to make smarter and more informed decisions when it comes to my health and my body.
Unfortunately, I’m no longer a so called spring chicken (woof) so it’s time to start thinking of the future! 

When I first heard about Beautycounter, I was shocked to realize that so many toxins linked to cancer, reproductive issues, and hormone problems can come from simple products such as face wash and make-up! It’s mind boggling, and it was a big eye opener because I had always been focused on me needing to be more aware of the food I consume and whats in it but never about my beauty products. 

I was so happy when my friend Amanda reached out to tell me more about Beautycounter and give me the opportunity to try their daily cleanser and moisturizer.  
Step one in moving in the right direction and cleaning up my routine to make it safe and healthy!! 

I have sensitive skin that is kind-of combination dry/oily…. especially in this dry chilly weather, it can be all over the place and temperamental! 
The face wash was super gentle (and smelled amazing! so refreshing!) but I could tell that it still did an amazing job cleansing without making my skin feel stripped or dry.  
I especially loved the every day hydrating cream.
I mix my moisturizer with BB cream in the morning and this was perfect for that because it is lightweight but hydrating enough to last all day, and then I also used it at bedtime after washing my face. 

I asked Amanda to share some more about Beautycounter since she is the expert!! 
Hello! My name is Amanda and I am a Consultant for Beautycounter! I am so thrilled that Taylor has asked me to chat a little bit about Beautycounter, its mission and awesome products!
Beautycounter is a line of skincare, cosmetic, and hair products that are made with all natural, safe ingredients. They are devoted to progress and their mission is to get safe products in the hands of everyone.
Their ingredient selection is the strictest in the industry, banning 1,500 ingredients as a company. So here’s a fun fact, there are currently only 11 ingredients banned in the U.S. Even more shocking, the United States has not passed a federal law to regulate the ingredients used in personal care products since 1938.
Beautycounter believes in truth and transparency and lists every single ingredient in their products. The ingredients are safe, functional, and work together to create a high performing product. They have a “Never List” which includes ingredients that they vow to never use. These ingredients are known toxins, which are linked to cancer, reproductive issues, and hormone disruption.
Interested in learning more about Beautycounter’s products? Email me (amandawootenbeautycounter@gmail.com) or visit my site and peruse the gorgeous product line! In the meantime, I highly recommend scanning the bar codes of your current products using the EWG (Environmental Working Group) Skin Deep Phone App that assigns risk ratings based on the chemicals each product contains (0-2) Low Hazard, (3-6) Moderate Hazard, (7-10) High Hazard. You can also visit: http://www.ewg.org/consumer-guides to search products in their extensive database. You’ll be amazed and once you know, you’ll never go back!




Y’all should definitely check out the website above and look at the scores for the products you are currently using!!
I was shocked !
Luckily, the thing I use the most (Aquaphor) is A-OK — but it’s a big eye opener to see big name brands and big hazardous scores!!


Also, definitely go check out Amanda’s page – there are so many incredible products to choose from 

{and I just saw they have a Valentine’s Day special going on while I was clicking around!}







now, I just need to take this positive step for skincare and keep it going with my weekend food choices……. 





…… that one may be harder…… one step at a time! 


but like…. organic pizza from whole foods and stuff….. 





disclaimer : 


I was provided these products for free to try for an honest review. 


 I was not compensated and all thoughts and opinions are my own. 


Thank you for supporting the brands that support It’s The Little Things! 








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beauty products, Lifestyle

beauty cheapies

I’ll be the first one to say I am not the go-to-gal for the glamour department.
make-up, hair products, and the such are not where I spend my dough.
there are a few things I will splurge on, but for the most part if I feel like there is a comparable product for a better price I always go for it! 
  
below are some of my favorites. 

:: DRY SHAMPOO :: 
compare with Bumble & Bumble Dry Shampoo 
I love the B&B dry shampoo and it was the first brand I ever splurged on for this kind of thing.  I am SO glad I tried Batiste because for less than 10 BUCKS it does the exact same thing for me.  I love, love, love it.  
The oribe texturizing spray is totally worth it for when you are styling your hair and want some hold and some body, and the can lasts forever.   When you want something to be a true dry shampoo (read: absorb oil, no more greasy hair for work or a regular day) the oribe cannot hold a candle to this stuff. 

:: FACIAL BRUSH HEADS :: 

people. it’s $5. for FOUR brush heads.  fo’ real. 
they fit the clarisonic, the bristles are soft, they are the exact same thing. 
don’t waste your dough on the brush heads, save it for a cocktail. or 6

:: EYE SHADOW PALETTE ::
compare with Naked Palette 
it’s basically the naked palette but a helluvah-lot cheaper.
and I love it. 

:: MASCARA ::
I love Yes They’re Real, but this stuff is great.  Takes my little stubs to new lengths. 


:: NAIL POLISH :: 
compare with nothing they’re all cheap.
unless your buying some seriously fancy polish laced with who knows what. 

yeahhhh so all nail polish is pretty cheap. 
this is a given for everyone else, but this is the first time I ever bought my go-to-color.  
because I paint my nails like a 3 year that broke into her moms bathroom cabinet. it is best left to the professional. 
but this color looks so different at all the different salons if it has been sitting in the sun in the window, so it was time to have the TRUE color at home to take with me. 

:: HAIR BRUSH ::
compare with those crazy pants $200 mason pearson hair brushes 
unless it’s magic and gives me the hair of my friend that is ALWAYS PERFECT (you have that friend too) then no thanks. 

if you STILL haven’t bought on of these, you’re nuts. 

:: TOILET PAPER ::
compare with THINGS NORMAL PEOPLE BUY. 

oh, I jest.
are you kidding me? if you are buying generic TP I want to cry for you. 
but seriously….. if my husband comes home with generic toilet paper one more time I will lose it….. 
his decisions to buy generic never cease to amaze me. 
for some things – definitely.  for others – never. 
 generic paper towels (sure, let me clean that small spill with AN ENTIRE ROLL of this crap), BUTTER (no. don’t even make eye contact with me I’m so disappointed in your life choices.), MAYONNAISE (I lied, I CAN be even more disappointed in you. the mayo from TJ’s should not be allowed to be sold on shelves)….. 
when I try to explain these life lessons, I receive looks of utter confusion and a complete lack of comprehension as to how generic butter + TP is NOT where we need to save a dime. 
nay-nay. 
#sorryimnotsorryforbeingabuttersnob


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