I Cheat..Do You???

YUP, I'm a CHEATER!!!

In case anyone thinks I have it together 110% of the time I'm here to dispel those very silly notions.  

I, like you go through each day just trying to keep up with everything that happens in a normal or abnormal day.  And with 2 active teens, a husband who works late & travels much, and 8 animals there is ALWAYS something going on.  And some days I need any help I can get to do my best and look like I'm keeping up ;)

So here are a few things I cheat with to save time, feel better and look better:

I love dry shampoo...it not only freshens up your hair but gives it some volume too.  I wash my hair every 3rd day because my hair is dry and unless I'm sweating heavily it just doesn't need it.  I've tried a few expensive dry shampoos but I always come back to this Dove one...it has a faint, nice smell and its easy to use and gives my hair some body. And best of all its under $5 and lasts a long time. Walgreens has it for $4 here.

Shapewear....I love it and have a drawer full of it for every occasion.

Hey I'm 40, I've had 2 kids and lots of surgeries...I need all the help I can get some days.

I have some Spanx but the one piece I love the most is Flexees by Maidenform Women's Fat Free Collection Hi-Waist Boyshort. Its under $20, fits fabulously without rolling up or down, is thin enough for most clothes and will smooth out the lumps & bumps ;)  Now if its 95 degs outside with 90% humidity you won't find me wearing this...don't ask me about the time I did and tried to take it off in a bathroom stall, in the heat with sweaty skin...not a pretty site & very joke-worthy ;)

I wear a BB face cream (Ponds Luminous BB Cream) every day even if I'm not wearing makeup...it has spf and is moisturizing and evens out my skin enough to make me look somewhat less zombie like.  So when Jergens came out with their BB Body Cream I had to try it...and I LOVE IT!  Its great as a lotion and has just a teeny bit of color and some highlighters in it that smooth your legs. Now its not a heavy coverup so it won't cover scars, veins, birthmarks but it does just smooth things a bit.  It doesn't sweat off and leave marks either. I really like it a lot and it comes in different tones and is under $12...you only need to use a wee bit so it lasts too.

Before I put on makeup I use a primer of some sort...I have many including Smashbox more expensive one...but I love anything that can smooth out my skin and pores a bit and keep my makeup on especially in the summer.  My newest obsession is L'Oreal Paris RevitaLift Miracle Blur Cream ...Amazon has it fairly cheap at $14 (free ship with Prime too) so I order from them...my drugstores have it for around $19. It just fills in your pores and with or without makeup makes your skin look smooth.

I love coconut oil...I mean I love it!  I get mine from Tropical Traditions after reviewing them all online last year I found it to be one of the best.  I use it to cook with, I put it in my smoothies, I use it on my dry feet and nails and I use it as a hair mask.  Its all around good stuff.  Much better for you to cook with than traditional oils too.  And I swear by it for dry skin.

I use Crest Rapid WhiteStrips a couple times a year to keep my teeth nice and white.  But I use this Listerine Whitening Pre-Rinse every other day before I brush.  Yes, that's right...you rinse your teeth FIRST and then brush.  Its kept my teeth nice and white and kept me out of the dentist's chair for fillings too :)  It is my #1 secret to keeping your teeth white without a huge $ investment. Check your drugstores because its usually under $6 (I buy mine from Walgreens for $4).

Let's face it...we can all use a bit of a bump to help us look brighter, fresher and for me MORE AWAKE.  I use highlighters like its my religion...seriously.  Many eons ago I was a makeup artist for Clinique & Lancome and I learned the benefits of using highlighters to help you out and I've always had some in my arsenal.  I really loved Benefits Watts Up highliter stick but its pricey so was thrilled when Sonia Kashuk came out with something almost identical for a lot less HERE. $10 compared to $30...def a good trade in my opinion.  I use this on top of my cheekbones, brow bones and inner corner of eyes. It just brightens you up and it goes on smoothly and stays put.  I've even used it as a pretty eyeshadow during the day as it just brings light to your eyes and makes you look like you had a fabulous night's sleep...something I lack in ;)

Whoever invented the crock pot needs lots of rewards...one of the best inventions EVER!  I own 4 crockpots LOL...I have a round one that is 20 years old that was an engagement present & works fab and then this one above which I love because it holds longer items better like roasts and tenderloins. My friend Pat got me a zebra one that I use for parties and then I have a mini one I use for hot dips. This Crock-Pot Programmable Cook and Carry Oval Slow Cooker  is a fave of mine because of its shape, also programmable time settings (30 mins to 20 hours) and it is easy to transport if you are going to a pot-luck!  And all that for under $40.  ONE-POT-WONDERS I call them...I have an arsenal of recipes, always looking for more but have never been disappointed by my crock pot.  Especially nice during summer because it doesn't heat up the kitchen and you put your food in and forget-about-it. Great for days you are short on time...prep in the morning and just GO!

ZAQ Dew LiteMist Diffuser
 I am a HUGE fan of essential oils...I've been studying up on them for the past few years and try them out for many different uses (some of my fave uses & recipes soon to come on a post).  The less chemicals and toxins in my house, body and garden the better.  I mentioned I have 8 animals (6 cats and 2 dogs) and I HATE smelling them...I don't want my house to smell like a kennel...you feel me?
So I use an organic cat litter (clean all 6 boxes multiple times a day) and I use these Essential Oil Diffusers (I have 3, one on each level of my house).  I use the Purification Oil to dispel odors in the house...they work beautifully and keep my house fresh organically.  I like this one the best because it has auto-shut off and seems to put out the right amount for my house.  There are many on the market and you can use a tealight diffuser but I like the electric ones because I can run them without worry.
An easy way to deodorize or scent your home.

Maxi dresses
They hide a multitude of sins, make dressing for the day easy, and are definitely on trend.  I have 3 and Alexa has 2 Lush maxi dressees from Nordstroms...they are usually on sale for less than $40. They fit great and I love them for traveling because they don't wrinkle much.  Slip one on add some jewelry and sandals or wedges and you are DONE. Easy peasy for those days your brain can't handle putting an outfit together LOL! (Patterned & Solid Dresses STILL on sale for $38 HERE)



What's Your Favorite Cheat??

Some Pretty Cool Ideas!

Hi friends!  No projects from me today...I'm in the midst of many projects of course..none of which are complete. And YES its driving me crazy but there is only so much time in each day and there's always those "other" chores I have to do...laundry, cleaning, cooking, picking up clutter from teens, yardwork, driving football boys to practice..y'all know what I mean right?  If I had a whole week to dedicate to projects I'd probably get 5 months worth done LOL!  But oh well...back to painting for me in a bit...I love what paint can do to transform a room but I HATE painting...HATE IT!

Ok enough whining from me...I want to share some cool thoughts, ideas and products today.  I read a lot I think I've told you before...if it can be read then I'm reading it.  Well not directions or manuals..I prefer to skip those (aka boring) much to the chagrin of my husband who only reads manuals (say what). I'm the kinda girl who opens something and wants to play with it and figure it out that way...its just how I am.  He however will read a 100 page manual for days before he even tries...oy vey...it drives me nuts.

Anywho, I diverge from my post topic again (not hard for me).....so I read lots of books and magazines and I clip lots of cool websites and products from them.  And I had gathered so many in my bedside table folder that I thought I'd type up a few to share and that I would be able to access them easily too.

Enjoy-----

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Fresh Paper

Keep Produce Fresh Longer

This gal invented FreshPaper after tea her grandmother made in India.

It inhibits bacterial growth so it can keep your produce fresh longer.

And I will attest that I bought some earlier this year and it DOES work.

(Whole Foods carries it)

Hukkster

Its like the bargain shopper's version of Pinterest.

You grab a button for your toolbar on your computer.

When you find something online you like, you "pin" it with the Hukkster button.

They will alert you when it goes on sale...saves time...saves money! Cool!

GlamGlow

Super Cleaning Mud Mask

Seriously one of my fave new beauty products right now.

Do you like those pore strips? I like them because you can SEE the gunk

that its cleaning out.  WELL GlamGLow is a mask and while its on you will see little 

dots on your face, that's where its sucking all the yukkies out of your skin.  Seriously cool

for the skincare geek in me.  Not to mention it smells good and your skin looks glowing and feels so soft afterwards.  Amazon has best deal on it!

Skimm

Ever get overwhelmed by all the news coming at you.

Just don't always have time to watch or read the news but interested

in what's happening around the world and here in the US.

Skimm sends you an email each morning with condensed versions of things you SHOULD 

be aware of and know.  And if you want more info on a news blurb its easy to find.

Keeps me abreast of things happening when I'm low on time to read about it.

Founded by women for women :)

Anker Charger

If you are a techno crazed user like myself and use your phone for everything.

Then you probably find your phone dying on you regularly. I know I do with my iPhone 5 at least.

I have a Zagg charger that I can carry and it has two USB plugs...perfect for taking to games and such and to share with my teens.

But its heavy and bulky...and that's where my Anker Charger comes to the rescue. They run about $20 and are not much bigger than a large lipgloss but they can charge a phone up for hours.  

For me its a MUST HAVE when I cannot get to a plug or mobile charger.

Julep Strawberry Mint Lip Balm

I'm a lipstick and lip balm hoader...there I said it..I admit it.  At any given time there are probably 10 liptsticks/balms in my purse...probably 45 in my makeup bag in my bathroom...and another 100 spread out into other purses, cars, coat pockets, travel bags and more.  Its a serious problem...but dry, chapped lips are NOT my thing. I hate dry lips and once cooler weather comes it gets worse.  So I've tried many brands and I love many of them. But I must say I'm slightly MORE addicted to this lip balm by Julep...its smells and tastes good, has a slight pink color and it works well and lasts long too. I think I have 3 so far...shhhh...but I love 'em!

Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Dry Shampoo

I love dry shampoo..I tend to have dry hair and its super fine. So dry shampoo allows me to go longer without washing which helps to not dry out my hair AND it gives me more volume to boost my fine strands. I've tried probably 10 brands...from cheap to expensive and most are pretty good. Bumble & Bumble has one out but its close to $35 and I loved it but way too pricey. So a friend told me about this (get it online or at Walmart or other local stores)...its only $6 and it smells divine.  So far so good..it doesn't deposit too much but remember to squirt in small sections, rub in with fingers and brush through quickly or you will get white sections that are a bit crunchy.  Those are tips for any dry shampoo.

Great for oily hair to get you an extra day without washing, great at getting smells (aka smoke) out of hair too.


Ok I'm outta here...lots to do this weekend per the usual!
Enjoy!!

Skincare Maniac!

Skincare Notes from a Skin Fanatic

I'm a maniac, a maniacccccc .... 

(gotaha singing that Flashdance song now don't I ...heehee)

 

That doesn't sound creepy now does it...ahahahaha!  But I AM!!!  I have been a maniac about my skin since I was 13 and discovered "Teen" magazine (back when teen mags were a tad more innocent KWIM).  And skincare is something I take very seriously...VERY!  You rarely ever find me going to bed wearing my makeup and I'm never without some kind of spf on my face and a day cream.  You gotta fight those wrinkles early nowadays...the UV rays and pollutants in the air are coming to get you!  Be very scared!

So below are some things that I use religiously, they belong to MY skincare church LOL and I highly recommend them all.  Now a little note...I tend to have dryish sensitive skin and I try to use a ot of things on my skin that lean to organic or as natural as I can get along with some of those powerful chemicals that dermatologists put on in their office for big $$$.  I'm not a huge fan of the $200 creams myself...not saying they don't work but if you take the time to INVESTIGATE the ingredients you can find drugstore brands that have the same ingredients, perhaps not at the same exact strength but pretty darn close and much cheaper.  So you have to be your own advocate and researcher.  I also go to a dermatologist twice a year to get other suggestions or tips for what I should be doing with my skin and make sure I have no cancerous spots which is VERY important for everyone to do.  And your derm is a great place to ask about drugstore brands...they will recommend similar products for you as well to those prescription creams or $200 creams.  I don't know about you but I don't have $1000's of dollars to spend on stuff like that...I have two college educations to be paying for very soon so I'm a budget girl whenever I can.  Plus why waste your good dollars on something you may be able to find cheaper.

It may SEEM like a lot of time put into my skin in the morning and night...but it really isn't.  Most of the time its done in under 5 mins in the morning, nighttime is about 8-10 mins.  Not too much time spent on the largest organ on my body right?  Its like brushing my teeth for 2 mins each day, twice a day...once you get into a routine it doesn't seem so hard or a waste of time.

NOTE:  I was a makeup artist for both Lancome and Clinique when my kids were younger.  I am an artist, I like to paint and painting on faces was just another version of that :)  While at Clinique I went to many hours of skincare training...I'm forever grateful for the things I learned in all those classes.  We learned from top dermatologists from around the country and the information has helped me choose how I treat and care for my skin since then.

Tip #1:  Check Amazon and other online sites before buying facial products to find the best price.  Amazon will likely have them cheaper but Ulta can have great prices, sales and coupons too that may be the better way to go.  I shop for the cheapest price...$5 saved here and there can amount to a lot!

Tip #2:  These products can be used on most types of skins...but I handpicked them for myself.  Hopefully it will encourage you to use some similar products that work for your skin and remember that skincare doesn't have to be expensive and just a luxury unless you want it to be.  SKIN is the LARGEST ORGAN on your body...take good care of it!  Its super expensive and painful to fix surgically ;)

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Clarisonic Mia

I have the original (and mine is zebra, no surprise right), I don't have the #2 or the body attachment.  I paid $90 for mine a few years ago and I use it 4-5 times a week and it DOES do what it advertises!  Its great for any kind of skin type and because I verge towards dry it keeps my skin smooth and soft.  If you get one and use it for a week you will understand my passion for this little machine.  TIP #2:  I do NOT buy the Clarisonic cleanser...not that's it bad...I just use my own cleanser with mine instead.

Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel

A great cleanser to use each day, doesn't upset my sensitive skin and cleans all my makeup off my face easily.  I love the Mario Badescu line of products...I've been a user of this line for the past 18 years and have nothing but good things to say about all the products.  Each product they carry tells you if you should use it on a certain skin type which is very helpful if you have any confusion about what to use.  This cleanser is the one I squirt on my Clarisonic as well.

Peter Thomas Roth Un-Peel Pads

AH-MAZING!!  I use these Glycolic-Alpha-Beta pads every other morning...they are not as strong as a chemical facial would be but they are pretty close and do not upset my sensitive skin.  Great for fighting fine lines, wrinkles, minimizing pores and clearing your skin up.  Seriously you use these for 2 weeks and you will see a difference.  This is how I use them...I cleanse my face, take off eye makeup and then wipe my face and neck with a pad.  TIP #3: Then let it dry for about 5 mins...do not rinse off any of it...then add your night creams. (cheaper by at least $20 at Amazon)

Olay Total Effect 7-in-1 Mositurizer/Serum Duo

I have used a lot of day creams..I've tried a lot of day creams...I always choose one with a good SPF though.  Currently this one I've been using since March and I'm happy with it, it doesn't make my skin greasy and keeps it moisturized all day.  And it packs a serum and moisturizer into one step..BONUS!!

Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Foundation

I have used this powder foundation for over 15 years..I will die with this stuff on my face...no lie.  I HATE FOUNDATION...I hate feeling like I have anything on my face, ICK.  But I like my skin to glow and look even and natural KWIM?  This powder will not clog your pores which is something I love.   And this powder is pretty foolproof, use a kabuki brush to put it on in swirls on your face...start with one side of your face and compare..you will see the difference immediately.  Nice and light and evens your complexion out perfectly.  And it packs an SPF 15 as well which is another bonus.  Not to mention that one pot should last you for 6 months.  I also use their pot concealer, tinted mineral veil and their eye primer..I recommend them all highly.  Amazon has the best deal that I've found on the foundation but if you need to match your skintone for a color you can find it at Sephora, Ulta and other stores in your mall.  I can't tell you how many people I have converted to this powder over the years...I should get a commission LOL...because once you try it, you WILL love it!

TIP # 4:  Buy a small pot of their bronzer powder and use it to custom mix a color during the summer when your skin may be darker.  I mix it in the lid each time, easy to do and cheaper than having 2 separate pots of colors and you can increase/decrease the amount you add.

L'Oreal Revitalift Triple Power

This cream can be used day and night...I only use it as a nighttime cream as its a bit thicker than what I like to wear during the day.  It has Hyaluronic Acid to fight wrinkles and then it has ingredients that also mimic collagen injections...so helps fill in and prevent droopiness in your skin.  Hey I'm almost 40...gravity is starting to kick in..I'm fighting it!  I buy mine at Target or Ulta..seems to be the cheapest at those places.

Mario Badescu Eye Make-Up Remover Gel

I use this each night to remove my eye makeup..I don't like oily versions so this gel is very gentle and leaves behind NO residue and it takes off my waterproof mascara like a champ...a total winner!

 

RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

I have used this eye cream forEVER..it has one of the highest concentrations of retinol on the market that IS NOT prescription..whoot!  However I don't use it every night because it can be drying to my skin...I use it about 4 times a week and it helps with wrinkles and saggy-bags and dark eye circles.  My Costco carries it in packs of two for the price of one..you can also find it at Target and at most drugstores.  I ONLY use this one at night!

All About Eyes Rich

And then I have my more expensive eye cream.  I used to work for Clinique (as I mentioned above) and I used their original All About Eyes eye gel for a long time.  But when they came out with this cream version that is a bit richer I decided to switch.  Its a bit pricey but remember you use 1/2 a pea-size drop so it lasts, and lasts and lasts for a long time.  So for me its worth the money (I buy 2 a year)...plus I use it in BETWEEN when I use the cream above (the RoC)...so about 3 times a week in the morning and night.  TIP #5:  I bought a small empty cosmetic pot (at Ulta) and put a good dollop of cream in it.  I keep the small container (marked well so no one EATS it ahaha) in my fridge and use it when my BAGS and SAGS are out of control in mornings...instant amazing awake eyes...no lie!!

St. Ives Gentle Skin Scrub

I've tried many facial scrubs and you know what?  Most are the same no matter what the cost.  And I've used a St. Ives version since I was a teen...and I love this gentle version even better.  Its like $3 bucks at your Target, Walmart or CVS (or other drugstores).  It does the same thing as expensive versions...it exfoliates fabulously.  This isn't as grainy and rough as the original which I found was too harsh for my skin as I've aged.  TIP #6:  The key to using an exfoliating scrub is to scrub on your face for AT LEAST 2 minutes, slowly and not too hard...you don't want to damage your skin.  Then rinse off and pat dry..I do this in the shower once a week in the summer, twice a week in the winter when my skin is super dry.  It works for ANY skin type period and its cheap and smells good!!

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask

I am a mask addict...I love them and use one at least once a week!  This is my current fave of the past year...it clears my pores and makes my skin silky smooth.  It sucks the UCK out of your pores and leaves you smooth and clean.  It doesn't have a horrendous smell either which I like.  I keep it on for 20 mins once a week...I'm like the swamp monster at night heehee!  My family is used to it.  I'm not a huge fan of facials...I usually break out afterwards and find them painful and yes I've had many over the years.  I find that I can do my own facials at home, customized to the way I want and much more economical.  TIP #7:  I clean with my face with my Clarisonic,  then I steam my face (holding it over a hot sinkful of water for at least a minute), do any extractions with my extraction tool and then apply the mask.  Then I usually read or do some chores for 20 mins until I have to wash off.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

I don't break out very often thank goodness but when I do or when I FEEL a pimple perhaps coming...I dot this on and its like MAGIC.  Doesn't dry out your skin, reduces the size quickly and heals it quickly.  REMEMBER do NOT shake it ever...dip your Q-tip down into the pink stuff at the bottom and dot onto any problem areas.  It works great I'm tellin' ya!

And that's pretty much my skincare bible for you...what I do and use!  I order from Sephora a lot and I'm in their rewards program (Ulta's too)...so you get lots of free samples that are usually good sized too.  Its a great way to try new products without the investment.  I'm always on the lookout for new and improved products with great claims or ingredients.  And sometimes they work great and sometimes I end up going back to the oldie but goody :)

Do you have a favorite skincare product you use??