Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Product RAVE!

I wanted to do a quick post about a couple of newly-purchased beauty products I love. First, as mentioned in an earlier post I bought the PTR Max Correcting Pads. I love them!!! I truly feel like my face is more clear and bright. Score!


image from sephora.com 
Second item I bought on a whim after reading about it on some blogs. It is Maybelline's Dream Bouncy Blush (in Peach Satin). Everyone commented on the texture - it's not a powder, but it isn't a liquid. It's almost like a silly putty consistency. Weird, but fun. It goes on really light - I personally like this, while others found it to be frustrating. I also apply this with my fingers, you can use a brush but IMO that would be more difficult. 
image from Maybelline.com 

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Happy (Belated) Valentine's Day!

I hope everyone had a wonderful and romantic day! The H and I went to see "The Vow". I was surprised my husband would want to see such a sappy "chick" movie but he said he enjoyed it too (I am guessing his slight crush on Rachel McAdams had something to do with that). I didn't realize it was based on a true story, which made the move even better. I guess that's the true test of love..if given the chance, and if your memories of that person all of a sudden went away - would you fall in love with the same person all over again?


"The Vow" offical trailer - YouTube

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Sephora Haul

I could spend hours in a Sephora store..wait, let me re-phrase..I HAVE spent hours in a Sephora store. I am mesmerized by the rows of lip gloss, mascaras, skin care products - so much to try yet limited amount of money. Lately, my focus has been searching for the ideal skin care products. Being in my *ahem* 30's I really need to make sure I am taking the best care of my face to avoid wrinkles, sun spots and whatever else genetics and mother nature throw my way. The skin concerns I have been dealing with is just tired, dull looking skin, hyper-pigmentation and a few scars.
After reading a blog post about Peter Thomas Roth Max Correcting Pads, I decied to log into my beloved Sephora to check out the product and read some reviews myself. The PTR pads received rave reviews, so why not? I have nothing to lose at this point. While I was browsing online, I dropped a few other things in my cart as well.


I did start using the PTR face pads a couple nights ago. So far, so good... if you buy these make sure you cut the pads in half. I read that tip online and using 1/2 a pad is plenty for your face. The pros are that it smells good, and you can definitely feel it working. How, you ask? Because it burns like hell which to some would be a con. However, as my friend Amber says "I like when (a product) feels like it's peeling my skin off because that's how you know it's working"  I have to say, I noticed a slight difference in skin tone the next morning - my face felt smoother, pores were less crater-like. I'm anxious to use this for a while longer to see what it does.


Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads
I am already addicted to Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer, so when I was looking for a new primer this seemed like the obvious choice. So far, I LOVE it! It does give your face a 'radiant' glow.
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Radiance 
 As I mentioned in a previous post, we are going to France soon! I'm so excited, so naturally I have a love for anything French. This perfume by Clean is no exception. Clean Provence smells so lovely, I can't even describe the scent - clean (of course) with a sweet candy-ish or citrusy hint to it.
Clean Provence 
I love Josie Maran's line. I think her products are a reflection of her; natural and beautiful. In my opinion, this is the best argan oil out there. I tried the Moroccan oil, but the smell really gets to me. I use the JM argan oil on my face, hair, hands, places that tend to get dry such as knees or elbows.
Josie Maran Argan Oil
 The Clarins product was a sample I received with my purchase, and so far I am pleasantly surprised. The cleanser has a orange scent, and the exfoliating beads aren't too harsh on your skin.
Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliator 
all photos from www.sephora.comI love hearing about what products other people are using, so please share your thoughts with me!


I hope everyone is having a great weekend!!

Sunday, February 5, 2012

i heart West Elm

My latest obsession is anything from West Elm. I love the styles, colors and just the clean lines in most of their products. I've been on a rampage of trying to redo the interior of our house which isn't an easy task since it seems like everything is outdated. I am working on this by taking baby steps, which is frustrating but also fun at the same time. I just wanted to do a quick post with a few small items I just purchased from them.


White lacquered tray and toothbrush/paste holder 
Recycled fabric bath mat in Slate












Saturday, February 4, 2012

Surprise Presents for Me? Yes, Please!

Last Monday I received a call from our secretary at work that I had a package at the front desk. A package? Hmmm. I hadn't ordered anything, but I always have a sliver of hope that it could be a gift. Not sure why, no one has ever sent me a gift at work, but I guess that is the optimistic side of me. I eagerly walk to the reception desk and see an Amazon box for me. Perplexed, I go back to my desk and practically rip it open to find a French phrase book and Rosetta Stone, level one French looking back up at me! YIPEE! But who would have done such a wonderful, generous thing? Let me stop here and explain that the H and I are traveling to France this year with another couple, and I know about 8 words in French; thank you, yes, beef, pen, swimming  pool, hello, goodbye and butter. Anyway, I digress.. the gift was from my wonderful, thoughtful, amazing friend, Brian who is working in Afghanistan for the next year. So nice, right?! So, this weekend I am going to get my French-on and the H and I will be studying away.

Merci, Brian! 


Wait...that's not all I received on Monday! I came home to find ANOTHER gift on our kitchen island. From The Limited! For those of you who don't know me, I love the Limited with all of my heart and soul. Their clothes always fit me great, they are true to size and the customer service I receive in the store is always superb. I have gotten to know them by name since I make frequent visits during my lunch hour (who says power shopping isn't a sport?)
Anyway, back to my gift... I opened the box to find a lovely necklace, and a coupon for 30% off my next order, just as a "thank you" for being a customer. This is what I am talking about..Thanks, Limited!