Get your weekly dose of beauty news all in one session. Check out the beauty reviews and giveaways below from fabulous beauty bloggers!
Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup
Giveaway Break - Miracle Skin Transformer Acne Control
I have used Miracle Transformer before and I love it. It's a great product that provides awesome coverage. Now they have a new formula, the first ever tinted complexion enhancer for acne prone skin. This could be a game changer!
This is the first acne treatment to fight what they refer to as 'pimple memory,' or recurring breakouts in the spot. I always get pimples in teh same spot, I thought it was just me! This formula includes salicylic acid, anti-mircobial peptides, marine extracts and vitamin B3. These work together to both fight and prevent future breakouts.
Similar to its regular formula, it's lightweight, oil-free, and controls shine, leaving a matte flawless finish. It comes in 5 shades: translucent, light, medium, tan and dark. You can find it at Sephora.com and at www.MiracleSkinTransformer.com. Or....you can try to win one here!
Enter to win a full size Miracle Skin Transformer for Acne Control!
Fill out the form below to win. You can enter once a day by tweeting each day!
This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Sunday, June 30th. I will randomly select one winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This is the first acne treatment to fight what they refer to as 'pimple memory,' or recurring breakouts in the spot. I always get pimples in teh same spot, I thought it was just me! This formula includes salicylic acid, anti-mircobial peptides, marine extracts and vitamin B3. These work together to both fight and prevent future breakouts.
Similar to its regular formula, it's lightweight, oil-free, and controls shine, leaving a matte flawless finish. It comes in 5 shades: translucent, light, medium, tan and dark. You can find it at Sephora.com and at www.MiracleSkinTransformer.com. Or....you can try to win one here!
***Giveaway***
Enter to win a full size Miracle Skin Transformer for Acne Control!
Fill out the form below to win. You can enter once a day by tweeting each day!
This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Sunday, June 30th. I will randomly select one winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
RocksBox Review
I have fabulous new monthly subscription service to share with you all. You may be thinking, 'not another subscription service...,' but this one is different! RocksBox is a membership-based jewelry styling service. As a member, you pay a flat rate of $19/month to trial unlimited designer jewelry, sent to you 3 pieces at a time.
You start by taking a style profile. This is how RocksBox learns your style and puts together jewelry selections they think are a good fit. You can also put in special jewelry requests. You'll receive 3 pieces that are tailored to your style. You can wear them and show them off to your friends, and then do one of two things: 1) Send them back for new pieces to accessorize with or 2) Buy them! If you fall in love with one of the pieces you have the option to buy it at a discounted RocksBox price.
I think the best part about RocksBox is that you get to try out new jewelry that you may not have picked out for yourself on a regular shopping trip. In my first RocksBox, 2 out of the 3 items I would not have picked out for myself, but after pairing them with dresses during my weekend in New Orleans, I fell in love!
Here's what I got in my first box...
There was something about this bracelet by David Aubrey that reminded me of the time I spent in India. Maybe the jade and gold pairing? At any rate, I loved it. I wore this around New Orleans while we were exploring and out at night. The 5 strands of jade make it look like you are wearing several different bracelets.
This is not a necklace I would normally pick out for myself, which is the point of RocksBox. It gets you to try new, edgy styles that you normally wouldn't dare to wear. The House of Harlow Fringe Pedant got me many compliments! I LOVED this necklace. It hung pretty low, down to my belly button, and was super edgy. I wore it with a black dress the few times I wore it, but would have also went well with a solid color top or dress or a neutral color.
After you receive your items and wear them out you can then log into your account and give feedback on each item. This will help RockBox select the next set of items you receive. I can't wait to see what I get in my next RocksBox shipment. I love the idea of having new accessories to keep my outfits fresh. Sometimes a single accessory can change an entire outfit.
Have you heard of RocksBox or received a box yet? If so, what do you think so far? Leave a comment or tweet at me with @MyRocksBox #RocksBoxiFabbo
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.
Memorial Day Essentials
It's been a chilly Memorial Day weekend so far here in Michigan. But even though it's not bikini weather, don't forget to wear sunscreen! Here's my Memorial Day 'must have' list:
I like this sunscreen for my face because it doesn't break me out.
I have a long sleeve mullet dress that I'm obsessed with, kind of like a half maxi dress. I love the look of this maxi dress from JC Penney because it doesn't go all the way to the ground.
I practically live in jean jackets in the Spring and Fall. Definitely a necessity when it's only 60 degrees out.
Protect your eyes! These Ray Bans are on my wish list.
Doesn't have to be as fancy as this Lacoste one, but grab a beach blanket or towel and have a picnic in a park!
What are your Memorial Day weekend plans? Hopefully its sunny wherever you are!
I have a long sleeve mullet dress that I'm obsessed with, kind of like a half maxi dress. I love the look of this maxi dress from JC Penney because it doesn't go all the way to the ground.
I practically live in jean jackets in the Spring and Fall. Definitely a necessity when it's only 60 degrees out.
Protect your eyes! These Ray Bans are on my wish list.
Doesn't have to be as fancy as this Lacoste one, but grab a beach blanket or towel and have a picnic in a park!
What are your Memorial Day weekend plans? Hopefully its sunny wherever you are!
Proactiv at Generation Beauty
Proactiv will be a main sponsor at Generation Beauty by ipsy this year and they want to offer up two pairs of tickets, valued at $300 per pair (best for local LA gals). Fill out the entry form on their Facebook page to enter!
Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup
Ellie Little Black Collection
You know you have it bad when you spend more money on workout clothes then every day clothes. I'm not one of those girls who gets all done up to go to the gym, but I do think that when you are comfortable in the clothes you work out in, and like the way they look on you, you'll have a better workout. Look good = Feel good. And that's why I'm totally obsessed with Ellie...
I love that Ellie gives you the option to join as a monthly subscriber or purchase items separately. The best bang for you buck is joining as a member, and you'll get 2 items each month for $49.95. You can cancel at any time. Click the banner to the right for 20% off your order!
I already did one post about my obsession with Ellie gear, but recently I got to try out a new outfit from their Little Black Collection and I'm in love all over again.
I packed my new top and pants for my trip to New Orleans a few weekends ago. The hubby and I woke up super early our first morning there and went for a jog along the Mississippi River, which is where we took these pictures.
Pictured above is the 'The Black Widow' top, named this because of the strappy back which is spider-like. But don't let this creep you out...this top is contoured, slimming and sleek. It has a built in bra (medium support) and I didn't have to wear another one for my run (but I'm also smaller on top). The back panel is mesh, and there are also breathable panels along the sides. The panels are sheer, but not too sheer that they are see through. The fabric itself is really breathable, made from EllieProText and Power Mesh. I wore this for a jog, but would also wear it to cycling and kettlebell workouts. This top retails at $44.95.
The pants I wore are the Ellie Little Black Capris. These fit like a glove. They are super comfortable. I would wear these out and about for errands as well. They are made from wicking fabric that keeps you dry, and are preshrunk so you don't have to worry about washing them. They are also water, wind and tear resistant. I wore these for my run but would also wear them to yoga, kettlebells, cycling and the gym for weightlifting. Little Black Capris retail at $44.95.
Ellie also has two new lines out: Cosmic Love and Coral Crush. These are a few of the items that are on my wishlist:
Have you tried Ellie gear yet? If so, did you like it? What's on your Ellie wishlist? Don't forgot to click on the banner above for 20% of your order!
Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep, and affiliate links. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.
I love that Ellie gives you the option to join as a monthly subscriber or purchase items separately. The best bang for you buck is joining as a member, and you'll get 2 items each month for $49.95. You can cancel at any time. Click the banner to the right for 20% off your order!
I already did one post about my obsession with Ellie gear, but recently I got to try out a new outfit from their Little Black Collection and I'm in love all over again.
I packed my new top and pants for my trip to New Orleans a few weekends ago. The hubby and I woke up super early our first morning there and went for a jog along the Mississippi River, which is where we took these pictures.
Ellie Black Widow top. |
Pictured above is the 'The Black Widow' top, named this because of the strappy back which is spider-like. But don't let this creep you out...this top is contoured, slimming and sleek. It has a built in bra (medium support) and I didn't have to wear another one for my run (but I'm also smaller on top). The back panel is mesh, and there are also breathable panels along the sides. The panels are sheer, but not too sheer that they are see through. The fabric itself is really breathable, made from EllieProText and Power Mesh. I wore this for a jog, but would also wear it to cycling and kettlebell workouts. This top retails at $44.95.
Ellie logo detail on Black Widow top |
Ellie Little Black Capris |
Ellie logo detail on Little Black Capris |
Ellie also has two new lines out: Cosmic Love and Coral Crush. These are a few of the items that are on my wishlist:
Space Cadet top and Galaxy shorts |
Dynamic Duo Top and To Dye for Capris |
Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep, and affiliate links. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.
Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup
Zoya Nail Polish Stunning Collection
Loving Zoya nail polish Sunning Summer 2013 collection. Fun, bright colors for fingers and toes. From top left, going clockwise, the colors are:
Darcy - Bright, yellow (good for future Michigan games!)
Thandie - A creamy orange
Josie - A tealish-green
Rocky - Love the name as much as the color. Will look pretty on toes and paired with denim
Yana - A bright reddish-pink. Another good one for toes
Micky - My favorite from the collection. A Pretty coral-pink that will go with most everything.
For each swatch I did a base coat with two color coats and a quick dry top coat. I always have great wear with Zoya nail polish, lasting in good condition for 3-4 days, and minor touch ups needed after that.
You can purchase these (and many other colors!) from Zoya.com. You can purchase the entire set in a sampler kit for $48 or buy them individually for $8 a pop.
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.
Beautisol Tea Tan Glow Review
As I grow older, I think back to my 'tanning' days in high school and college and regret them more and more every year. How did I think that was healthy for my skin? Now, I protect my skin with SPF, but I won't lie, I do still love a little color!
Instead of hitting up the tanning bed I opt for self tanners. Most recently I tried out Beautisol Tea Tan Glow and I loved it. I brought it with me to Vegas, New Orleans, and on my last trip to NY.
I've tried Beautisol self tanner before and I'm a huge fan. The Tea Tan Glow is a newer concept. It's a Wash Off Body Bronzer, and if that isn't self explainatory, it means it washes off in the shower.
At first, I was a little weary of the smell. I usually apply self tanner at night and then shower the next morning to get rid of the smell, but with Beautisol, this won't work since it would just wash off all of my color. It has to be applied the day that you want your color to show. I've used Tea Tan Glow several times and the smell never bothered me. There is a light scent when you first apply it, but it fades fast.
Tea Tan Glow is great if you only want color for a day. If you don't feel like dealing with the fading color or the maintenance of a longer lasting self tanner, or maybe you're afraid of streaks, no worries with Tea Tan, because it washes right off. And if you're read my blog before, you know I have sensitive skin and eczema on my legs. Beautisol Tea Tan Glow did not bother my skin at all. This is the true test that helps me decide if I'm going to use a product again. I'm sold!
Tips for applying Tea Tan Glow:
1 - Wait at least 15 minutes before you dress after applying Tea Tan Glow.
2 - It may not be a great idea to wear white after applying this!
3 - Use a light exfoliater before applying. This helps get rid of dead skin and color will go on smoother.
4 - Put lotion around your ankles, elbows and knees before applying color. This helps the color go on even in these hard to cover places.
3 - I also like to moisturize after it dries. I think it helps to even out the color.
4 - Wash your hands immediately after applying. You may need to exfoliate to get all of the self tanner off your palms.
Do you use self tanner? If so, please share your tips below!
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.
Instead of hitting up the tanning bed I opt for self tanners. Most recently I tried out Beautisol Tea Tan Glow and I loved it. I brought it with me to Vegas, New Orleans, and on my last trip to NY.
I've tried Beautisol self tanner before and I'm a huge fan. The Tea Tan Glow is a newer concept. It's a Wash Off Body Bronzer, and if that isn't self explainatory, it means it washes off in the shower.
At first, I was a little weary of the smell. I usually apply self tanner at night and then shower the next morning to get rid of the smell, but with Beautisol, this won't work since it would just wash off all of my color. It has to be applied the day that you want your color to show. I've used Tea Tan Glow several times and the smell never bothered me. There is a light scent when you first apply it, but it fades fast.
Tea Tan Glow is great if you only want color for a day. If you don't feel like dealing with the fading color or the maintenance of a longer lasting self tanner, or maybe you're afraid of streaks, no worries with Tea Tan, because it washes right off. And if you're read my blog before, you know I have sensitive skin and eczema on my legs. Beautisol Tea Tan Glow did not bother my skin at all. This is the true test that helps me decide if I'm going to use a product again. I'm sold!
Tips for applying Tea Tan Glow:
1 - Wait at least 15 minutes before you dress after applying Tea Tan Glow.
2 - It may not be a great idea to wear white after applying this!
3 - Use a light exfoliater before applying. This helps get rid of dead skin and color will go on smoother.
4 - Put lotion around your ankles, elbows and knees before applying color. This helps the color go on even in these hard to cover places.
3 - I also like to moisturize after it dries. I think it helps to even out the color.
4 - Wash your hands immediately after applying. You may need to exfoliate to get all of the self tanner off your palms.
Do you use self tanner? If so, please share your tips below!
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.
Enter to Win $500 Gift Card!
The
Beauty Blog Coalition is a group of Beauty Bloggers who work to bring
you the latest on all things beauty. This spring we have collaborated to
put together a giveaway of $500. Follow the Rafflecopter instructions
below to enter. Giveaway is open to international participants.
Here is a list of the member's participating in the current giveaway - be sure to check them out for some enjoyable reading:
Blushing Basics
PolishGalore
Clumps of Mascara
Justina's Gems
Beyond Beauty Lounge
Beauty 101
Cosmetics Aficionado
Just For Trendy Girls
Peek & Ponder
Pretty In Pink
Aquaheart's Obsessions
InTruBeauty
Beauty Info Zone
Moxie Reviews
Prime Beauty
Midnight Manicures
Geniabeme
Blushing Noir
Beauty by Miss L
Peace Love Lipgloss
TheFabZilla polarbelle
My Highest Self
MinaSlater.com - Fabulous Awesomeness
george&bear
Lipgloss Break
Painted Ladies
Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Round Up
NARS Hearts New York City
Set is available May 1 at select retailers including Barneys, Lord & Taylor, Saks, Henri Bendel & Bloomingdale's.
7 Tips for Selling through Consignment Shops
With Macklemore’s ‘Thrift Shop’ running through our heads, my husband and I packed up spring and summer clothes from last year and dropped them off at our local consignment shop. I’ve been doing this for the past year and found it to be an easy and fun way to make a few dollars to put towards new items in my wardrobe.
Consignment shops will take new and gently used items and sell them for a discounted price. Once your item sells, you get a percentage of the sale. The percentage you earn varies by shop. The consignment shop I go to, Trading Closets in Brighton, MI, offers you 50% of the selling price. They mark down items each month, and then after 60 days, you can either pick your items up if they don’t sell, or they will mark them down to 80% without any commission or donate them.
The first time I went I really had no idea what to expect. I gathered up about 10 items in my closet I no longer wore and brought them into the store. To my surprise, the store only kept one item! I was floored, and a little insulted, until the consignment shop employee pointed out the reasons she didn’t accept the other items. Slight discoloration…out of season…loose hem….after the run down I totally understood why they didn’t take the rest of my items.
I took what I learned from that trip and applied it to future drop offs, carefully inspecting every item before I left the house. Now, I usually have a 90% success rate when I drop clothes off!
Here are some tips to use when going through your closet and gathering items to bring in:
1. Check the store’s website or call ahead to find out what ‘season’ of clothes they are taking. If it’s March and they only want Spring/Summer clothes, you’ll be wasting your time if you bring your sweaters in. Usually they will be very explicit on what they are accepting.
2. Steam or iron your items before bringing them in the store. Most consignment stores look for items they can transfer directly to their racks. Presentation is everything.
3. Bring clothes in on hangers. Usually stores don’t keep them, but again, it’s all about presentation.
4. Some of the ‘signs of wear’ they look for: deodorant marks on the insides of the arms of tops, fabric balling up (sweaters tend to do this), snags, holes, broken zippers, loose hems, discolorations and stains, just to name a few. Also make sure your items are smoke and pet hair free.
5. Some stores have a special light they put the clothes under to help spot stains or discolorations. It’s helpful to bring your own clothes outside in the sunlight and inspect them before you bring them in. Sometimes indoor lighting can hide imperfections.
6. Depending on the store, they may also accept accessories (purses and jewelry), home goods, furniture, DVDs, and beauty products. Check out the website or store before you go in.
7. Don’t watch over the consignment shop worker while he/she is looking through your clothes. This is just nerve wrecking! Shop around while they are going through your items. You may find some hidden gems!
And remember, don’t be insulted if they don’t take your items! The consignment shop employees know what sells best in their store. They may already have 20 of the same type of item they can’t get rid of. If you find yourself returning home with items, you can always donate them to your local Purple Heart or Salvation Army.
Consignment shops will take new and gently used items and sell them for a discounted price. Once your item sells, you get a percentage of the sale. The percentage you earn varies by shop. The consignment shop I go to, Trading Closets in Brighton, MI, offers you 50% of the selling price. They mark down items each month, and then after 60 days, you can either pick your items up if they don’t sell, or they will mark them down to 80% without any commission or donate them.
The first time I went I really had no idea what to expect. I gathered up about 10 items in my closet I no longer wore and brought them into the store. To my surprise, the store only kept one item! I was floored, and a little insulted, until the consignment shop employee pointed out the reasons she didn’t accept the other items. Slight discoloration…out of season…loose hem….after the run down I totally understood why they didn’t take the rest of my items.
I took what I learned from that trip and applied it to future drop offs, carefully inspecting every item before I left the house. Now, I usually have a 90% success rate when I drop clothes off!
Here are some tips to use when going through your closet and gathering items to bring in:
1. Check the store’s website or call ahead to find out what ‘season’ of clothes they are taking. If it’s March and they only want Spring/Summer clothes, you’ll be wasting your time if you bring your sweaters in. Usually they will be very explicit on what they are accepting.
2. Steam or iron your items before bringing them in the store. Most consignment stores look for items they can transfer directly to their racks. Presentation is everything.
3. Bring clothes in on hangers. Usually stores don’t keep them, but again, it’s all about presentation.
4. Some of the ‘signs of wear’ they look for: deodorant marks on the insides of the arms of tops, fabric balling up (sweaters tend to do this), snags, holes, broken zippers, loose hems, discolorations and stains, just to name a few. Also make sure your items are smoke and pet hair free.
5. Some stores have a special light they put the clothes under to help spot stains or discolorations. It’s helpful to bring your own clothes outside in the sunlight and inspect them before you bring them in. Sometimes indoor lighting can hide imperfections.
6. Depending on the store, they may also accept accessories (purses and jewelry), home goods, furniture, DVDs, and beauty products. Check out the website or store before you go in.
7. Don’t watch over the consignment shop worker while he/she is looking through your clothes. This is just nerve wrecking! Shop around while they are going through your items. You may find some hidden gems!
And remember, don’t be insulted if they don’t take your items! The consignment shop employees know what sells best in their store. They may already have 20 of the same type of item they can’t get rid of. If you find yourself returning home with items, you can always donate them to your local Purple Heart or Salvation Army.
ZOYA Earth Day 2013 Nail Polish Exchange
The nail polish exchange is back! Zoya is helping you with your spring cleaning. Get 50% off Zoya nail polish when you send in your old polish. Check out Zoya.com for details. Hurry and place your order...you have until Friday, April 26th!
Giveaway Break - Modella Weekender Bag
Since I already shared with you my top tips for packing my travel cosmetic bag, I thought I'd share with you a giveaway for you to win one!
Modella wants to give away one Floral Diaries Weekender bag to a lucky Lipgloss Break reader.
Fill out the form below to win! There are also several different ways you can get extra entries: sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me & retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest, follow me on Instagram or become a fan on Facebook; just make sure to list the number of extra entries in the form below. Enter up to once a day!
This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Thursday, May 23rd. I will randomly select one winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!
Modella wants to give away one Floral Diaries Weekender bag to a lucky Lipgloss Break reader.
***Giveaway***
Enter to win a Modella Weekender bag!Fill out the form below to win! There are also several different ways you can get extra entries: sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me & retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest, follow me on Instagram or become a fan on Facebook; just make sure to list the number of extra entries in the form below. Enter up to once a day!
This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Thursday, May 23rd. I will randomly select one winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!
Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup
Catch up on your weekly dose of beauty info, all in one post!
Oh Snap! It's Giveaway Time!
Get excited...I've teamed up with some fabulous bloggers...again....to bring to you a fabulous giveaway. 10 different prizes, all listed below, with lots of chances to win. Make sure to take advantage of every way to enter!
My Top 7 Tips for Packing a Cosmetic Bag
Modella cosmetic bag |
I’ve
come a long way since my days of over packing for trips. I use to have to check
a large suitcase for a 3 day trip! Now, after a lot of practice, I don’t panic when I have to pack for a few
nights, and I can even get everything in my carry on, in under an hour.
One
tactic that I have used that has streamlined the packing process is always keeping my
makeup and toiletries bag packed. I like to keep a separate travel cosmetic bag
packed with all of my travel friendly sized necessities. The Modella Weekender Cosmetic bag is one I have been using lately.
The Weekender has 3 main zipper pockets (2 on the inside, one on the outside) that can fit all of my cosmetic items and toiletries. I like that one side is a meshed zipper pocket for toothbrushes and makeup brushes, which will help them dry/breathe if you have to put them in damp. The front pocket also contains travel size bottles which you can fill with your face wash, shampoos, etc. With this always packed and ready to go, I only have to worry about my clothes and accessories when packing for a trip.
The Weekender has 3 main zipper pockets (2 on the inside, one on the outside) that can fit all of my cosmetic items and toiletries. I like that one side is a meshed zipper pocket for toothbrushes and makeup brushes, which will help them dry/breathe if you have to put them in damp. The front pocket also contains travel size bottles which you can fill with your face wash, shampoos, etc. With this always packed and ready to go, I only have to worry about my clothes and accessories when packing for a trip.
Here are my top tips for packing (and stocking!) makeup products and toiletries fast and efficiently!
1
- Keep a container of all your travel size items. I put mine in a separate
basket in my linen closet, so when it's time to pack, I know right where they
are at and can easily sort through the ones I need to take.
2
- Call ahead and ask the hotel or your host if they have a hair dryer you can use.
Hair dryers are bulky and if you don't have to pack one, you'll have more room
for shoes :)
3
- Redeem Sephora and Ulta points for travel size items. Free gifts with
purchase are also commonly travel size items. Save these for travel. Don't use
them every day unless you run out of your full size product. Birchbox and
Glossy Box monthly beauty subscriptions are always great for stocking my travel
size collection.
4
- Prescription creams, ointments and liquids do not have to be under 3.4oz and do
not have to fit in a quart size bag, saving you more room for beauty products.
5
- Opt for towel or powder versions of products when traveling. Towel cleansing facial pads,
towel self tanners, powder foundations (instead of liquid), dry powder shampoo, etc.
This will allow you more room for your liquid necessities if you want to carry your luggage on the plane.
This will allow you more room for your liquid necessities if you want to carry your luggage on the plane.
6
- Little vials of perfume aren't just sample size, they are travel size!
Whenever I get a sample I like I immediately add it to my travel makeup case. I
would just recommend putting it in a little Ziploc bag before putting it in
your makeup bag for traveling.
7
– I usually use the shampoo and conditioner provided by the hotel, but if you
require your own, the mini bottles in hotel rooms are perfect for this. Recycle
the mini bottles provided to refill with your own shampoo and conditioner for
your next trip!
Remember, liquids have to be below 3.4 ounces. You'll be seeing more of the '3-1-1' rule through security lines now. Here is what the TSA.gov site says:
What are your travel tips and tricks? Please share! And stay tuned for a cosmetic bag giveaway this week!
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.
Yoga + Kettlebells = Cosmic Kettlebells
My kettlebell coach had once told me that Minneapolis has a huge kettlebell following, so when I was there last year, I attended a local kettlebell studio, Southside Kettlebells, and had a blast. So when I was in town last week, I wanted to try out a new studio. I came across Four Gates in my searches and decided to check out a class called Cosmic Kettlebells.
Cosmic Kcttlebells is a combination of vinyasa yoga and kettlebells. Here's the description on the site:
"The word “yoga” means “to integrate” or “union”, and this definition is very well exemplified in this one of a kind class. We merge sun salutations, kettlebell lifts, Qi Gong exercises, and full body hooping to create a state of cosmic bliss and universal strength. We recommend that students attend one kettlebell expansion class first."
I was really curious how the class was going to flow. I was pleasantly surprised at the balance between yoga and kettlebells. I got a great cardio workout in while stretching and meditating in the same hour.
It was American style kettlebell moves which I'm not totally use to, but caught on quick. We picked up our bells from the squat position to start each kettlebell circuit, and then once the circuit was over we did traditional yoga moves.
I was really sore the next day from all of the stretching and deep squats. I will definitely be taking the class again when I visit Minneapolis again. I highly encourage checking out a new class or gym when traveling for work or pleasure. Every class is different and it's always fun to learn and try something new!
And on a separate note, to end my trip, I swung by the Mall of America before I caught my flight, and guess which store was right by my entrance??? Fate!
Cosmic Kcttlebells is a combination of vinyasa yoga and kettlebells. Here's the description on the site:
"The word “yoga” means “to integrate” or “union”, and this definition is very well exemplified in this one of a kind class. We merge sun salutations, kettlebell lifts, Qi Gong exercises, and full body hooping to create a state of cosmic bliss and universal strength. We recommend that students attend one kettlebell expansion class first."
I was really curious how the class was going to flow. I was pleasantly surprised at the balance between yoga and kettlebells. I got a great cardio workout in while stretching and meditating in the same hour.
It was American style kettlebell moves which I'm not totally use to, but caught on quick. We picked up our bells from the squat position to start each kettlebell circuit, and then once the circuit was over we did traditional yoga moves.
I was really sore the next day from all of the stretching and deep squats. I will definitely be taking the class again when I visit Minneapolis again. I highly encourage checking out a new class or gym when traveling for work or pleasure. Every class is different and it's always fun to learn and try something new!
Get Cozy at a Kimpton Hotel
I
completed a wonderful stay at the Harbor Court Hotel in San Francisco about a
month ago. Harbor Court is a Kimpton Hotel, which are all boutique hotels. I've
always been very impressed with Kimpton hotels' hospitality, loyalty program
and perks.
Few
of the perks....
- I've stayed at 3 different Kimpton Hotels before and all have a complimentary happy hour for guests, including beer, wine and snacks. This is really nice to come back to after a long day of work. They also always have lemon and/or orange flavored water and coffee in the lobby in the AM.
- Once you join their free loyalty program, Kimpton inTouch Loyalty, you automatically get free in room WIFI (it's hard to believe some hotels still charge for this) and $10 worth of goodies from the mini bar. This stay I opted for 2 water bottles, but next time I'm going for the wine.
- At Harbor Court in SF, they have bikes you can check out and use to explore the city. They are also usually pet friendly. I don’t have a pet, but could see this being a huge plus if I was pet owner.
Last
year my husband and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary in Chicago. We made
reservations at the Palomar hotel and of course, I tweeted about it. We were
out and about in the city and when we came back at night we had a lovely
surprise, chocolate cover strawberries and champagne! The hotel staff left a
really sweet note wishing us a happy anniversary.
Kimpton
hotels do a really great job at making you feel ‘at home’ in a big city. They
have locations in several big cities, including Boston, Chicago, SF and Miami. If
they are an option for your next trip, I highly recommend checking them out!
Photo from Kimptonhotels.com |
Shop It To Me Threads Louboutins Giveaway
If you haven't heard of Shop It To Me Threads, it's definitely worth checking out. It's like having your own shopping assistant. When you sign up (for free) you specify what kind of clothes, accessories, brands, trends etc. you like to shop for. In daily or weekly emails, Shop it to Me Threads will send you an update when those brands or items are on sale.
To celebrate their recent launch, Shop It To Me Threads is giving away a pair of Louboutins! Here's how to enter:
1 - Join Shop It To Me Threads
2 - Follow @ShopItToMe on Twitter and tweet the following phrase: "Enter to win #Louboutins c/o your free personal shopping assistant @ShopItToMe Threads! Just visit http://bit.ly/ 14RBh4T & RT"
Good luck!
To celebrate their recent launch, Shop It To Me Threads is giving away a pair of Louboutins! Here's how to enter:
1 - Join Shop It To Me Threads
2 - Follow @ShopItToMe on Twitter and tweet the following phrase: "Enter to win #Louboutins c/o your free personal shopping assistant @ShopItToMe Threads! Just visit http://bit.ly/
Good luck!
Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup
Sally Hansen Magnetic Nails in Red-y Response
My best friend Tina tried out Sally Hansen's Magnetic nails in Red-y Response. She thought it was easy to do too, but did chip on her pretty quickly. Make sure to get a good top coat for this polish. It's harder to touch up little chips and keep the magnetic waves.
Check out my swatch of Sally Hansen Magnetic nails in Electric Emerald.
Check out my swatch of Sally Hansen Magnetic nails in Electric Emerald.
And the Winners Are...
The winners of the Clos du Bois Pixi cosmetic set are:
shempgames
dstephan6
sweett36
mleejohnson1967
sully872
Thanks to all who entered! Don't forget to enter my current giveaway for a surprise beauty prize pack!
shempgames
dstephan6
sweett36
mleejohnson1967
sully872
Thanks to all who entered! Don't forget to enter my current giveaway for a surprise beauty prize pack!
Giveaway Break - I Hit 2k Twitter Followers!
A long time ago I announced on Twitter that once I got 2k followers, I would put together a massive giveaway. Since I'm a woman of my word, here it is! Enter below to win a Beauty Surprise Pack. This giveaway will be filled with fun goodies from brands including Yves Rocher, Korres, DHC and MORE. Enter to win below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)