Sunday, November 24, 2013

Catching Fire Nails

In honor of Catching Fire (which was amazing) I thought I would do my own fire mani this week.  I finally picked up some of the Cover Girl mini catching fire shades today at CVS.  For this I used Cover Girl Inferno, a red shimmer, Cover Girl Rogue Red, a reddish orange shimmer, and Julep Dahlia, a yellow shimmer.  I painted a white base coat and topped it with a layer of Dahlia, then let that coat dry.  I then painted a fade of Inferno and Rogue Red over the yellow Dahlia.  I then took a cosmetic sponge layered with each shade and dabbed it on to create a more ombre softer faded effect.  I did this because with these shimmer shades it is hard to build up the color with just the sponge.  It worked perfectly, and as always this one is even better in person.  Did you pick up and of the Cover Girl Catching Fire shades?


Julep Dahlia, Cover Girl Rogue Red, Cover Girl Inferno

With Flash




CVS deals this week!


 I had to share the great deals at CVS this week!  CVS released 2 pages of free items in this weeks ad!  If you purchase these items you get the same amount in ECB (extra care bucks) back for you next CVS purchase.  I also had some manufacturers coupons included.  It takes some planning (I tried to get all the free items in my first haul and then used those ecb for my second purchase).  But it is always worth the time, and its fun :) Heres what you can get this week at CVS.  Also check the end caps, most of the free items are there so you don't have to search the whole store!

All the items!  Total paid $39.54

All free stuff this week at CVS!

Here are my receipts including coupons and ECB (extra care bucks) I received
Starbucks Refresher-1.50 (3ECB) FREE
Starbucks Refresher-1.50 FREE
Hershey Almond-.79 (.79 ECB) FREE
Kraft mac and Cheese-.99 (.99 ECB) FREE
Whoppers-.99 (.99 ECB) FREE
CVS pads-.99 (.99 ECB) FREE
Chex Mix-1.99 (.50 manufacturer coupon off 2) (1ECB) .50
Chex Mix-1.99/  $1.99
Orbit gum-.1.00 (1ECB) FREE
Orbit gum-1.00 (1 ECB) FREE
2 pack toothbrush-2.00 (2.00 ECB) FREE
Colgate toothpaste-3.00 (2.50 cvs coupon from machine) (.50 manu coupon) FREE
Child advil-2.37 (2.37 ECB) FREE
Probiotic-9.99 (9.99 ECB) FREE
CVS laundry soap-1.79 (1.79 ECB) FREE
Ricola 4ct-.99 (.99 ECB) FREE
CVS anti diariaha-4.00 (4.00 ECB) FREE
Sparkle paper towel-.99 (1.00 ECB) FREE
Hershey miniture-3.99 (-1 manufacturer coupon) $2.99
Hershey reeces trees-3.99 (b1g1 free) FREE
Glade warmer-1.25 (1.25 ECB) (1.00 manu coupon) Moneymaker $1

Had $5 ECB from the CVS machine from my beauty rewards ($5 back for every $50 you spend on beauty items) and a $6 off a $30 purchase that printed out at CVS machine total for this receipt was $28.26 after tax BUT I earned $33.15 in ECB to apply to my next purchase so in essence I was earning money on these items if this is all I had bought!

In this next purchase I had some free items as well as some items I needed to buy so they weren't all the best deals, but I got to use my ECB from the last receipt!

Some free items, and some items I picked up on sale or had great coupons for.


Cotton Swabs-2.27
Dr Schol Insole-9.49 (5 manu coupon)
Alamay Eye makeup remover-4.99 (1 manu coupon) (2 ECB)  $1.99
Advil 4 packets-.99 (.99ECB) FREE
Rightgaurd Gel mens deodorant-2.99 (2ECB) .99
CVS baby wipes -.99 (.99 ECB) FREE
Wet and Wild eyeliner-1.79 ($1 manu coupon) .79
Vitamin C-13.99 (2 cvs coupon printed from machine) 11.99
Glucosomine Vitamins- 7.99 (B1G1 free)  FREE
Vitamin b-12-7.49
vitamin b-6-6.49 (B1G1 Free) FREE
Rimel powder-5.99
Covergirl Nail polishes 3.33 ($3 manu coupon off of 2) (3 ECB) $7.32 for 4 polishes
Covergirl Nail polish 3.33
covergirl nail polish 3.33
covergirl nail polish 3.33

Total for this receipt was $23.26 minus the $11.98 ECB I earned from these itms would be $11.28 out of pocket.

So I paid $11.28 and $28.26 for a total of $39.54 at CVS today if I use CVS sale prices I took home $124.64 of items!  Not bad!  I could of course don't better on and picked a higher value vitamin for my free vitamin or skipped the makeup items I didn't have high value coupons for but I am pretty happy!  Now I gotta go try out those Catching Fire CoverGirl shades I got!  




Saturday, November 23, 2013

ILNP Purgatory & Zoya Mosheen

I bought some beautiful ILNP polishes from their preorder on November 1st and I was excited to try them all!  They are now for sale and in stock if you love them as much as I do check out these gorgeous shades!  This week I tried ILNP Purgatory, a deep and dark teal with sparkle and multi chrome effects.  It was hard to capture the sparkle on camera, but in person it is even more beautiful.  I added some glitter tips with Zoya Mosheen, a holographic sparkle topcoat with bar glitter.  What ILNP polishes did you pick up?  I got a few more left to try, you will see them soon ;)





Julep Nic & Autumn

I forgot to post this mani a few weeks ago, I was having a rough cuticle week ;( But it is now under control :)  I used some of my November Julep polishes from my Maven subscription for this mani.  The deep black crimson creme is Nic from the Bombshell box.  Autumn is a burnt red orange multi shaped glitter topcoat that was the add on of the month.  I love how these two shades compliment each other, a perfect November duo!  If you want to become a Julep Maven and recieve their amazing polishes every month click here:  use code FREEBOX for your first box free.  I love my Maven subscription, and if you don't like the shades that month you can skip!













Ulta free gift with purchase

Just had to post this awesome score!  A few weeks ago Ulta had a free gift with $35 purchase offer online and it was full of some seriously good items!  I can't wait to try all these new products out, and it included the cutest DKNY mini apple perfume, my favorite.  This is no longer available so I was lucky to grab it when I would, if I ever see it again I will share the code!


Love with Food Subscription Box Review


I was lucky enough to get a Love with Food box sent to me for review!  I friend of mine gets Love with Food and has told me about all the fun treats she gets, so I felt very lucky to receive one myself. Love with Food is a monthly subscription box that promises 8 or more healthful snacks for $10 a month.  They also donate a meal to a hungry child for every box you buy!  I received an October box with a Halloween theme that is "Scary Delicious."  



First Look

First Look



Info Card

Toasted Coconut Chips from Dang 1.43oz:  Crunchy, lightly salted and sweet coconut chips.  I am passing these on to a friend who has tried them and loves them! 

Chocolate Pizzele Crisps from Silk City Snacks .825oz:  Light and crispy Italian waffle cookies under 100 calories, made with all natural organic wheat flour.  I tried them, they were just ok.

Happy Squeeze pouch 3.5oz:  Blueberry, Apple and purple carrot.  This one sounds interesting!  Promises 1/2 cup of fruit in the pouch, I have only seen kids eat these can't wait to try the grown up version!


Glee Gum Triple Berry
Organic Hard Candies from Torie & Howard

These were delicious!  I especially like the hard candies.  

New World Caveman Cookies from Caveman Bakery:  Made with a mix of pumpkin seeds and maple syrup, these cookies are sure to satisfy any Caveman.  I will give these to my husband for his hunting trip for some energy!

Kind Fruit and Nut Bar:  This was delicious, and contained only 3g of sugar.
Pixo Pearls from Vinaigerie Gingras:  These apple cider vinegar pearls add flavor to anything.  Ok, these were the most interesting item in the box.  I have a friend who drink apple vinegar everyday I am definitely passing these on to her to try out!


If you are interested in Love with Food they now have 2 subscription plans:  Tasting box 8-10 snacks for $10 a month and Deluxe box with 16-20 snacks for $17 a month.  You can also use receive their special offer until 12/1/13 for a free 2 year subscription to Rachel Ray magazine, details are on their site.  What did you think of the Love with Food October box?


Friday, November 15, 2013

ILNP Admire Me

ILNP has 16 beautiful new duo chromes and holographic's coming out November 22nd.  I was able to score a few of them early in a presale, and they are gorgeous!  As soon as I saw Admire Me, a teal holographic polish, it had to be mine :)  I paired it with Color Club Harp on It, a silver multi chrome, and my Julep Chevron stickers.  The Julep mystery box last month featured these stickers and they were really easy to use!  This one looks good and so different in different lights so I included lot of pics!  Have you rocked a chevron manicure this fall?  What ILNP shades did you pick up, what's on your wish list?

Color Club Harp on It & ILNP Admire Me



No Flash under lamp:









With Flash:




























November BarkBox

I received my November Barkbox today!  This month's theme is food.  They included pooch friendly versions of our favorite comfort foods and toys to keep your doggies occupied while you tend to meals of your own.  I love that this months box features so many treat products!
All the Goodies

Etta Says Crunchy Deer Chews ($1):  Perfect for dogs with allergies, this is a premium high quality chew.  Athena already smashed this, she loved it!  I might have to get her some more, and yes she has bad allergies and can't eat just any treats.

Bocce's Bakery Truffle Mac & Cheese biscuits ($7.12):  These crunchy treats are made with only 4 ingredients and no preservatives.  I love how bark box includes such high quality goodies.  I am sure the girls are going to love these.

Happy Howies Turkey sticks ($4.99):  This is delicious, all natural turkey sausage, I think any dog would love these!

Pet Lifestyle and you squeaky zucchini: ($ 9.50):  Features double layered azo-free fabric, double stitching, and stuffing from 100% post consumer recycled bottles.  Although the thought of playing with a stuffed zucchini is strange I appreciate the high quality of this product.  

N-Bone Pearly Whites ($2.99):  All natural Pearly Whites chew bone helps clean teeth and freshen breath.  Oh, trust me both dogs could use this :) 

I totaled my November Barkbox at $25.60, I paid $17 with a 6 month subscription and a coupon code.  The doggies love trying out new treats, and I love the quality of the products that BarkBox sends each month!  If you want to sign up for Barkbox CLICK HERE and remember to use code BBSTAFF6MO to receive $12 off a 6 month subscription.  What was your favorite item this month?   

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

November Ipsy Bag

My November Ipsy bag arrived today, but yeah I had already peeked at my Glamroom and knew what I was getting ;)  This month included 6 items and a cosmetic bag!  I love all the products this month, what a great deal for $10.  Also, as more of my friends and family are subscribing it's been fun to see what everyone is getting each month, not just me.  Ipsy is a beauty subscription service that promises 4-5 deluxe sample or full sized products a month along with a cosmetic bag.  If you are interested in Ipsy CLICK HERE and sign up.  At times they have a wait list, but right now you can skip the wait list by sharing on Facebook after sign up!  Let's check out the goodies!  Ladies, also remember to review your bags afterwards for Ipsy points that you can use towards free products in the future.

The Goodies!

Nailtini in Caviar Cocktail  .5 oz($13):  OOOH what a pretty silver color, perfect for the holidays!  I love getting nail polish!

EM by Michelle Phan Lash Gallery Lengthening Mascara in Black ($20):  Michelle Phan is the curator of Ipsy and just started her own cosmetic's line.  This mascara looks fabulous and its full size!  

Be a Bombshell Lip Crayon in Hot Damn! ($14):  This is another winner!  I love the shade can't wait to rock some red lips this winter.

Starlooks Gem Eyeliner in Amethyst ($14):  This eyeliner is a nice change from the basic black.  A sparkly silver/purple shade, it will add some nice accents to my purple shadows!

Pixi Bronzer in Subtly Suntouched 3.2grams ($18):  I love bronzers, and low and behold I was running low.  I have tried other pixie products and been happy with them and this shade is perfect.

GlamGlow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment masque .5ox ($19):   This is the product I am most excited about!  The ladies on the ipsy forum were all hoping for this one!  This product promises to create tighter skin in 10 minutes and has some great review on Sephora.  


Swatches:  Nailtini Polish in Caviar Cocktail, Starlooks in Amethyst, Bombshell in Hot Damn

Gorgeous Gold Bag!  This one could definitely be used as a clutch as well.



I totaled this months Ipsy bag at $98!  What a great deal for $10 a month.  I have been so impressed with Ipsy these past 6 months the value continues to be amazing!  What products did you get in this months Ipsy bag?  


PopSugar Must Have November Box

Yesterday I received my November PopSugar Must have box for November.  PopSugar this month includes gifts to make you holidays easier and practical.  I love my PopSugar boxes and always appreciate the lifestyle and personal items they include, a nice break from all the beauty boxes.  This month is no exception it was a nice mix of things I loved and things I will love to regift :)
The Goodies!

Must Have Home:  Land's End Single Canvas Wine Tote ($14.50 ):  This wine tote is made to look like a classic beach tote and up your party going game when you visit home parties this season with wine in hand.  This is definitely going to make a great Christmas gift for one of my wine loving friends.  

Special Extra:  Barefruit Crunchy Sea Salt Caramel Apple Chips ($1.00):  These sounds wonderful, can't wait to try them out!

Must Have Food:  Maison De Monaco Strawberry & Blackcurrant Cream Preserves ($5.99):  Hand-cooked preserves made in small batches with 70 percent fruit.  Who doesn't love jam!

Must Have Beauty:  Absolute! Nail Polish Remover Pads ($2.99):  This travel sized metal container includes hassle-free nail polish remover wipes.  I received the Lemon scent, with how often I change polish colors this product is welcome!  I especially like the convenience of them, nail polish remover doesn't travel well, these are great!

Must Have Beauty:  The Soap & Paper Factory Roland Pine Shea Butter Soap ($8.00):  The Soap and Paper Factory's shea butter soap nourishes while giving off a delicate, captivating pine scent.  This smells like the holidays!  I can't wait to use it, who doesn't love fancy soap?

Must Have Home:  Canvaspop $30 Gift Card ($30):  Don't let those photos sit on your phone or online album, turn them into art!  Make a quality canvas print to hang in your home.  Again a great idea, or a great gift!

Must Have Fashion:  Michael Stars Folk Art Wrap ($42.00):  With its ubersoft feel and bold print, this Michael Stars wrap is all about effortless style.  This scarf is huge, I would call it more of a shawl and it is very soft and luxurious looking.  I can't wait to wear it this winter.



Must Have Home:  Illume Candle in Nice ($15.75):  The Illume Candle in Nice has a sweet vanilla fragrance.  This candle is heavy and it smells good too!  I am personally not a candle person, this is going to make a great Christmas regift!

I totaled my November PopSugar Must Have Box at $120.23.  PopSugar recently raised the month to month box price to $39.95, I bought 6 months before the price increase so I paid $31 for my box.  Although this isn't my favorite box I have gotten (August was a winner) I do really appreciate these items and will be able to share the things that aren't my style or taste.  If you want to subscribe to PopSugar CLICK HERE so you can get the December box!  Remember to use code REFER5 for $5 off your first box!