Chocolate Mint Pretzels

I spent a few hours today making 'puppy chow' for my cousin. It's a tradition that I make it every year, and it's priceless to see his face when I give him his own stash. As I was refreshing my memory on how to make it, I came across a Chocolate Mint Pretzel recipe that I have to share from Savory Sweet Life.

I made these pretzels with both white and milk chocolate. I can't wait to go to Target or the dollar store tomorrow to get fun bags or tins to put these in. Using Savory Sweet Life's recipe, these are extremely easy to make. They make a great hostess gift or last minute Christmas gift. Put in a tin and top with a bow!


I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!

Sponsored Post: pvBody Sample Boxes

Different companies are popping up everywhere with sampling programs, and they are really quite genius. Beauty, cooking and accessory sample boxes are a fun way to try out new brands and products. And now adding to the list, workout clothes!

pvBody takes the guess work out of trying to find fun, new workout clothes, at a reasonable price. All members take a style quiz so the pvBody team can select the best gear for you to try out. Along with providing your sizes, you’ll specify what kind of workouts you enjoy, style and color preferences, etc. The pvBody team will select a workout top and bottom set for you that matches your needs and style.

I took the style quiz last month and indicated that I’m more of a cardio/weights and gym girl, and the outfit I received was perfect for my next kettlebell and cycling class!

I received an electric blue top from Eloy and black leggings from Nux (both pictured to the right). I couldn’t be happier with both pieces. The blue top is great for any type of workout, from yoga to a high intensity cardio class. It contains a built in bra that is comfortable and secure. For lower impact workouts, you can totally get away without wearing a sports bra with this top.

The leggings are super comfortable as well. These are great for any type of workout as well, from yoga to running to cycling. They fit comfortably right above my hips and are great for the cold weather we're getting in Michigan. I always hate wearing sweatpants over gym shorts. These are also great as every day leggings. Or if you're planning on running errands after the gym, you can throw on a sweater and a pair of boots and look stylish right from your workout.

As a special intro offer, pvBody is offering you a $15 Lululemon gift card with sign up, plus 25% off your first month subscription! Use this link to get this special offer!

Easy peasy lemon squeezy: pvBody is easy. Take the quiz, sign up and boom, an awesome package arrives at your door each month with a hand picked outfit for you!

Every outfit is styled just for you by a pvBody expert. Each month you receive an outfit worth $150, but you pay just $49.95. You’re getting great, quality pieces for a fraction of the retail cost thanks to the relationships pvBody has built.

pvBody is not just another clothing company, but a lifestyle brand. Their blog is a great place to check out tips and tricks for healthy, delicious meals and at home workouts.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of pv.body. The opinions and text are all mine.

Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Can a lip gloss curb your appetite? Destany tests Joey NY lipFIT to find out!

Blushing Noir: Check out the MAC 5 Neutral Eyes Palette from Holiday 2012 and see how un-neutral it can be!

BeautyTidbits: Looking for the perfect gift for the jewelry loving gal? Check out Lisa Hoffman Fragrance Jewelry!

TheFabZilla: Skin care that replaces water? TheFabZilla reviews PUR attitude. Is it the coveted fountain of youth?

Painted Ladies: Megan tries Lip Rock Metallic Lip Foils - and it's a golden lipped glam fail!

Beauty and Fashion Tech: Five Easy Holiday Nail Polish ideas

Girl Gloss: Holiday Party Makeup Looks

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Lola's Secret Beauty Blog has discovered the artfully handcrafted tweezers, scissors and manicure sets from Artestile. They are hardworking high quality tools made in Italy that are simply GORGEOUS!

Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor has found her perfect winter bronzer: Rouge Bunny Rouge at Goldcombe Bay!

Mama Fashionista: Mama Fashionista shares why Bath and Body Works' Cashmere Glow is the perfect scent for the season!

Lipgloss Break: Enter to win a Clos du Bois Pixi Cosmetic Bag. There are 5 up for grabs!

Curls N Pearls: This week, Christina from Curls N Pearls looks back at how her skin care routine has changed over the years.

Pammy Blogs Beauty: Pammy Blogs Beauty wants you to get gorgeous this Holiday season with Laura Mericer's Art Deco Muse Collection

Beauty by Miss L: Miss L had an opportunity to review Adorebox which is a monthly subscription beauty box available in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Polarbelle: Do you love holiday nail art? Check out Polarbelle's Christmas tree accent nail for a holiday flourish.

Endless Summer: Elena thought she had found the best mascara ever, but then something went wrong...

Beauty Info Zone: Beauty Info Zone is back with the Mystic version of Senna's Haute Nudes. A palette and bonus you don't want to miss.

CND Shellac in Dark Lava

Finally! Tina and I got our hands on some of CND's new Shellac colors. Tina, being the great friend and person she always is, did my nails for my work holiday party last week. I chose Dark Lava, which is a deep burgundy. I wore a leather dress, and was feeling a little 'rocker chic,' so wanted to do a darker color. In some lights it could also look like a dark brown.

Per usual, Shellac stayed on this time for a full 7 days without chipping. I proactively took it off so I could swatch some additional colors :)

Happy Friday!

Sponsored Post - Take Care of your Skin!

I always tell my husband ‘take care of your skin, because it’s the only one you’re going to get.’ Hair grows back, clothing styles change, but your skin is forever with you, so I’m always preaching to him to take care of it!

I’m now 31 years old and I am very thankful that my mother and grandmother were both great examples of women taking great care of their skin. I remember staying the night at my grandma’s house when I was younger and it was part of our nighttime routine to wash our faces. I would then watch my grandmother put on her thick moisturizer, knowing that when I was older, I’d do the same thing.

Looking back to my teens and 20s I definitely didn’t do everything right. I didn’t wear enough sunscreen and I went into tanning beds (gasp!). That has changed since I have become more educated on skincare and quite honestly, I’ve gotten older. Here are the skincare rules I live by:

•         I wash my face at least 2x a day with a gentle cleanser. I don’t use harsh exfoliating cleansers because my skin is sensitive. But I do use a washcloth to make sure I get all of my makeup off. I use a sonic cleansing system a few times a week to do a deep clean on my pores.
•       Moisturize, moisturize and then moisturize some more. But seriously, find a moisturizer that goes well with your skin. They are not all the same. Some are for sensitive skin, extremely dry skin, etc.
•            Use an eye cream.  It’s never too early to start using one (okay, maybe wait until you are 18+ years old). You don’t have to go overboard on price to find a good eye cream. Drugstore brands are just as good as some of the expensive ones at department stores. Use your ring or pinky finger to gently dab eye cream around your eyes. Don’t rub or pull the skin around your eyes.  
•       I wear sunscreen. Notice that I didn’t say ‘I stay out of the sun.’ Sunlight in doses can be good for your mood! Just make sure you have a high SPF lotion or oil on, everywhere. Not just your face. And don’t forget your scalp if it’s exposed. I carry sample size SPF lotions with me that I received from the dermatologist office. You never know when your friends may want to eat outside on a sunny day.

I want to be clear and say that these are MY personal rules. Not yours. I’m not a medical professional, so if you have questions, please reach out to your dermatologist. Everyone has a different skin type so you have to come up with a regimen that is good for you and your age. But if you take one thing away from this, it should be ‘take care of your skin, because it’s the only one you’re going to get!’

 

As a leader in skincare with an eye for emerging trends, Olay is bringing the first-ever mass market CC line of products to the United States {Canada} beginning in October 2012. CC, or Color & Correct, Creams have started to emerge in Asia as a new category and are designed for women who love BB Creams for their ability to provide a quick, flawless finish but are seeking skincare solutions that deliver long-term benefits.

The Olay Total Effects CC Tone Correcting UV Moisturizers fight seven signs of aging, while also providing immediate color correction with tinted formulas that include UV protection and tone correction over time. The multiple, must-have instant and long-term benefits leave skin luminous and even-toned with the reduced appearance of discolorations, fine lines and wrinkles.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Olay via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Olay

Pantone Color of 2013, Emerald

Welcome to Emerald City! Emerald green has been crowned 'Color of the year for 2013!' Good bye Tangerine Orange, hello Emerald green! And don't forget about Pantone's Spring 2013 color, Monaco Blue.

Pantone Color of 2013, Emerald by lipglossbreak

My Favorite Beauty Sets of 2012

Need a gift for a sister, mom, girlfriend or secret Santa? Here are my 3 favorite sets of 2012. Each palette is very versatile. You can create several 'looks' with each one, great for every type of skin tone and style. 'Tis the season to shop beauty....

Urban Decay, Naked Basics - Great to keep on you at all times. You can go from day to night with just a few color changes from this kit. These matte shadows are a staple for every beauty counter.

Pixi Beauty, Early Bird Kit - I love Pixi Beauty in general. They are high quality products with great prices. Their blushes look so natural and there's always a good variety for different skin tones. The center column of shadows are bases that help to keep the color shadows on longer. I sometimes use these bases alone when just going to the gym or running errands.

Senna Cosmetics, Haute Nudes - I was able to try this set out in Mystic. The kit comes with directions on how to apply two different looks, for day and night. These are the best makeup kit application directions I've ever seen. Very easy to create and everything is in the kit, even the brushes. I like this kit for traveling. I'll pack this set, a mascara and gloss and I'm good to go.

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Giveaway Break - Clos du Bois & Pixi cosmetic kit

Do you like wine? Do you like makeup? Well, here is the perfect gift for you or someone who has the same taste! Clos du Bois wines has launched a new red blend called Rouge, and have partnered with my personal favorite, Petra Strand of Pixi cosmetics, to develop a cosmetics kit inspired by Rouge. Even better, all of the proceeds from this cosmetic kit are being donated to the Step Up Network.

The kit includes Nail Rouge, Gloss Rouge, and Water Rouge, all in a gorgeous red cosmetic bag (which could also be used as a clutch!).

The Nail Rouge is a deep burgundy that will probably go with practically everything in your wardrobe. It's a power color. Wear it to work and you'll feel like you can accomplish anything!

The Gloss Rouge is a sheer red that looks great layered over a lipstick or by itself. It comes with a key chain hook so you never have to worry about leaving the house without a gloss.

My favorite part of this kit is the Water Rouge. I just started trying out cheek and lip stains and I love this one. It gives you the healthy flush look you get once you enjoy a glass of wine. A few brush strokes on the apples of the cheeks, blended quickly, gives a flushed color. You can also dab it gently on your lips for the 'bitten' look.

You can purchase the set from the Clos du Bois website, with a bottle of wine ($30) or by itself ($19). This is a great gift for a girlfriend, bachelorette or holiday hostess!

***Giveaway***

Enter to win one a Clos du Bois cosmetic kit with Pixi cosmetics. I have 5 to give away!

Fill out the form below to win! For extra entries, you can sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me and retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest or become a fan on Facebook; just make sure to list the entries in your comment. Enter up to once a day!

This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Sunday, January 6th, 2013(!). I will randomly select five winners and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Shop the Editors' List at Forever 21

Forever 21 partnered with four Conde Nast Editors from Glamour, Teen Vogue, W and Details to select the season's best looks. Each editor's picks will be featured in 480 Forever 21 stores across the U.S. through the holidays. 

Participating editors included Laurel Pantin, Glamour's Associate Shopping and Accessories Editor; Mary Kate Steinmiller, Teen Vogue's Senior Fashion Market Editor; Lindsey Frugier, W's Market Editor; and Justin Berkowitz, Details' Market Editor.

Beauty Blogger Coalition Round Up

Midnight Manicures: Check out swatches of Zoya's Gilty Pleasures Limited Edition Trio which includes an 18k gold flaky top coat. Enter to win your own Zoya Gilty Pleasures Trio and 5 of Zoya's most popular nail treatments!

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Two lovely Nubar polishes are featured!

datyorkLOVES: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 Movie Review & Nails

TheFabZilla: So you want the best gift to your sister, mom and bff at a reasonable price. TheFabZilla shares her best holiday gifts for $25 and under.

BlushingNoir: BlushingNoir shows you her favorite way to use the Chanel Harmonie du Soir Quadra Eye Shadow

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Lola's Secret Beauty Blog is in love with Susan Thompson Cosmetics Mim's The Word Liquid Blush- enter for your chance to win your very own liquid pink perfection!

Pammy Blogs Beauty: It is time for another Birchbox Box Opening! Pammy Blogs Beauty shares what is inside November's Birchbox!

BeautyTidbits: Harshleen from BeautyTidbits is giving away 5 bottles of Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum. Enter to win!

Beauty Info Zone: It's time to think about the kids and their stocking stuffers. Lush has a product that will bring them nothing but fun.

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog shows you the beautiful ghd Pink Cherry Blossom styler!

Polarbelle: Polarbelle found a great all-around face palette by Khroma Beauty - Khloe's Kardazzle. You're going to love it!

Beauty by Miss L: Miss L shows her cute manicure done with Models Own nail polish in Indian Ocean which is very pretty duo chrome.

Mama Fashionista: Forget Calgon! Mama Fashionista shares why the scent of White Sands Orchid Bliss Shampoo and Conditioner transports her (and makes her hair pretty too)!

Sweet Tart Beauty : Onsen Secret believes in developing products that will help your skin renew and protect itself from day to day stress

Beauty Professor: After a month of usage, the Beauty Professor reviews the Somme Institute 5-Step skincare regimen!

Curls N Pearls: This week, Christina from Curls N Pearls reviews Sally Hansen's Insta-Gel Strips, an easy 2 step gel manicure in a strip with no dry time & that removes easily with acetone polish remover. Click through for a review, tutorial, tips and tricks!

Lipgloss Break: Angela from Lipgloss Break tells you how she can't live without the Clarisonic Mia 2.

The Advice Sisters: Lip colors are magic wands that can change your look and how you feel, in just one swipe. Alison Blackman of advicesisters.net explores some of the season's best colors and products

Fabulous Awesomeness: Mina Slater reviewed the Ofra Pro Palette, a magnetic eyeshadow palette by Ofra Cosmetics. Plus she's having a giveaway for Ofra eye primer and the eyeshadow palette!

The Lacquered Lady: Ready for some new nail polish? The Lacquered Lady swatches polishes from the Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Apart inspired collection from China Glaze.