Aquilah

Friday Five

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Apr 252013
 

Wet n Wild Fergie Centerstage Take On The Day Primer
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Loves it! I had been using Too Faced Shadow Insurance, but was on the last of what I had and really wanted to try something else. UDPP is too drying for me, and I wanted something that wasn’t going to cost too much. Luckily, my good friend Dionela was able to pick this up for me because it still hasn’t been found here! I can definitely say I’m in love with Wet n Wild Take On The Day Primer! My shadow stays just as gorgeous as when I first put it on, and there’s absolutely no creasing or fading of color! (Of course I will have to try at least one other brand because I can call this HG, but so far it’s up there!)

Marchesa Parfum D’Extase
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This is a brand new perfume, and the first by Marchesa, which was recently launched at Sephora. I happened to be in there to get a sample and to look around, and noticed it. I’m so glad I did and got a sample, because I will have to purchase this ASAP! I don’t even know how to describe Marchesa Parfum D’Extase besides a heavenly floral that smells like you just stepped out of the shower into a garden, and all the scents combined at once. Okay, maybe that doesn’t sound good, but it’s a lovely feminine scent! Notes include Iris Flower, Freesia, Black Current, Young Violet Leaves, Lotus Flower, Night Blooming Jasmine, Bulgarian Rose Water, Orange Blossom, Iris Root, Ambrox, Captive Musks.

Khroma Beauty Orange Blossom Honey Stick Lipgloss
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As embarassed as I am to admit I gave the Kardashians money, I can say I do like this lipgloss a lot! While I was in Sephora I tested the new Dior Addict Lipstick in 433 Delice, and fell in love. But! I wasn’t going to pay $31 on a lippie… Especially a limited edition one! Of course the hunt had to begin for a dupe, and thankfully I had coupons for CVS! Just as I was going to go to the register, I saw Khroma Beauty Orange Blossom Honey Stick Lipgloss for $8.99, and snatched it on a whim. Yes the smell can be a bit much (to me it smells like real honey, but reviews say it smells like synthetic honey), but it’s not stick and doesn’t feel drying.

Bright Nail Polishes
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So last week I mentioned my love of China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy, and this week I’ll have to rave about bright colors in general. I’ve worn NYC Spring Tulip from the “Let’s Paint The Town” Spring 2013 Collection and Milani High Speed Fast Dry Nail Polish in Flaming Race, and it’s love! I do believe I’m going to be wearing brights all spring/summer. Forget the pastels! I have my eyes set on a few others too, like almost the entire L’Oreal Colour Riche Nail Trend Setter Collection!

Cats (of all sizes)
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I love cats so very, very much! I can’t describe how much I love cats, and how much they calm me. What I’d really love would be to open a sanctuary for cats… Domestic and big… Oh to own a big cat! My family keeps telling me I’d be a hoarder, and I really don’t think I would. But I’d love to be able to save as many cats as I could in live. I seriously cannot believe how few lions and tigers are left, and I really think we all (especially cat lovers) should do what we can to save them. Panthera does a wonderful job of cat conservation, and I only wish I could be so lucky as to one day meet and help a big cat!

Seven of the Top Skin Hydrating Boosters

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Apr 202013
 


Article by Amy Chalmers, CDT

1. EFA’s omega-3s and -6s feed the Keratinocyte so it can make the ceramides in your skin and build your acid mantle — which is one of the top three layers of the skin’s defense system. Good sources of omega-3s include kiwi, hemp, flax, cod, and salmon. Good sources of omega-6s are wheat germ oil, borage oil, evening primrose oil, walnuts, and USANA’s BiOmega.

2. Antioxidants prevent lipid peroxidation, which breaks down the membrane of cells and prevents them from doing their work. Good sources of antioxidants are: beta-carotene, vitamin A, B3, C, and E, glutathione, alpha lipoic acid, lutein, and resveratrol CoQ10.

3. Amino acids and minerals feed the keratinocyte. Keratinocyte helps your natural moisturizing factors keep water locked in where it needs to be to preserve the softness and smoothness of your skin. Some great sources of amino acids and minerals are USANA’s Essentials and Active Calcium.

4. Water needs to be consumed throughout the day to have an accumulative effect. Drink a minimum of 2 liters daily. Good hydrating drinks include coconut water, kambucha, Green Tea, Lemon Water, Herbal Teas, and the most obvious, clean pure water.

5. Greens are full of an assortment of essential nutrients to optimize cell function to keep your skin looking its best. Make your own green drink and be sure to include the following boosters: greens powder, chlorella, seaweeds, Bok Choy, spinach, and kale.

6. Vitamin D supplements are a great way to get the proper doses recommended without having to put your skin in the harmful rays of the sun.

7. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful antioxidant that is best known for its cushioning and plumping role in the skin. It has the ability to bond water to the tissues. It helps drive collagen production and is necessary for normal skin function. To ensure the maintenance of healthy levels of hyaluronic acid in your skin, supplement with magnesium, zinc, and phytoestrogens.

About Amy Chalmers:
Amy Chalmers is a qualified Cosmetic Dermal Therapist (CDT) and is passionate about developing and delivering alternatives to invasive and ablative cosmetic procedures. She has an extensive background as a trainer, a researcher, a consultant and founded Natural Skin Solutions in Vancouver Canada.

Friday Five

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Apr 192013
 

Maybelline One-By-One Waterproof Mascara

I’m glad I tend to give mascaras a second try for the most part. I mean, the first time I tried Maybelline One-by-One Waterproof Mascara, I was not in the slightest impressed. However, something made me give it another go, and I actually like it a lot this time! I get plenty of volume, length and separation that my lashes seriously almost look like false lashes. Not to mention, the mascara doesn’t flake, smudge or leave me with raccoon eyes (though this rarely happens with me to begin with). I would say, if you haven’t tried this mascara, give it a go. It’s probably going to be sitting in constant rotation with my other current fave, Maybelline The Rocket WP Mascara.

Clinique Superfine Liner for Brows in Deep Brown

After I first learned Maybelline discontinued Define-A-Brow in Dark Brown, I was on the hunt to find a new brow pencil. The first few times I tried Clinique Superfine Liner for Brows I wasn’t very thrilled because no matter how lightly I used it, the pencil kept breaking off. So, I just put it aside for when I finally ran out of my Maybelline. I’ve been keeping it at work for days I need to either “put on my face” or touch-up at work. I can definitely say I like this pencil a lot now! The tip isn’t breaking off, and it doesn’t have too much red in it that it actually works well with my hair/brow color and looks natural. I’ll just have to get past the $15 price tag, but a little goes such a long way!

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

As you know, I’m going through treatments for my acne, so sunscreen is a must – Actually, it’s a must no matter what! The problem I seem to run into is that most sunscreens tend to make me look very grey and/or ashen, so it’s hard finding one that doesn’t make my face look weird. I’ve read a lot of great reviews about SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, and was lucky enough to find a local office who carried it. I am a very happy girl, and it has a universal tint so I definitely do NOT look grey! Matter of fact, I haven’t even used foundation since I purchased this as it seems to even out my skin tone just perfectly!

China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy

Yes, I realize this was released in 2010 with the Poolside Collection. Yes, I realize I’m VERY late to the game in owning this. But you must understand, I generally stay away from bright, neon colors. I mean, I only just recently finally wore Color Club Warhol, and I’ve owned it for two years at least! Needless to say, I’m very happy I now own China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy, and I can see this being in heavy rotation over the summer – especially for pedicures! (And I may need to splurge on Pool Party too!)

Victoria’s Secret Sexy Little Things Noir Fragrance Mist

I got this around January when I was ready to transition into my spring scents. I figured it would be good for a carry over scent. While I didn’t use it a lot, I had a mini at work that I keep for whenever I forget to put on perfume. The other day I planned on wearing a certain outfit and was prepared to leave the house when I decided to change. When I went to put the dress back up a day later (don’t judge!), it smelled divine! I couldn’t quite remember what I had used, and then it hit me… Victoria’s Secret Sexy Little Things Noir! I made it a point to wear it the next day, and I do believe I’ll need to invest in the EDP!

Top Five ‘Mammoth Mom Myths’ Revealed + Giveaway!!!

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Apr 182013
 
Give Your Mother What She Really Wants This Mother’s Day!

CHICAGO – April 11, 2013 – Reduce your risk of missing the mark this Mother’s Day by avoiding these popular beliefs or “Mammoth Mom Myths”:

  1. Moms LOVE to spend their free time cleaning! A new mop, dish scrubber or toilet brush will make her feel more loved and needed and oh-so-special.
  1. What all mothers REALLY want is to cater to their families 24/7, so give her that honor by wrapping up a brand new serving tray set complete with pre-made hors d’oeuvres to feed everyone in the family (make sure it’s got lots of Dad’s favorite snacks—Mom LOVES to please her man)!
  1. Two words: Mom Jeans! That’s right—the kind that really emphasize the backside with HUGE pockets! Moms LOVE to look like their own mothers and can’t wait to ‘fill their mothers’ jeans.’ Make sure you sneak in her closet and find her pants size, and then go up a size or two to give her plenty of growing room—you know, the way she would always buy your shoes a little bigger.  She’ll appreciate how thoughtful you were to actually investigate her current size and to anticipate her growing assets to boot!
  1. Nothing shows how much you care like a brand new shiny cemetery plot! Wrap up her final resting place with a bright pink bow! Then surprise her with a Sunday drive and tell her you’re taking her to her brand new home! When she sees that plot of land that you painstakingly picked out just for her, she’ll cry real tears of joy. It’ll also fill her heart with pride that you’ve become such an excellent planner and that you’ve taken care of all the details so she can move onto the next life without a hitch!

And the number one mammoth mom myth to avoid…

  1. “Surprise, Mom! We’re moving back in!” What would make a mother happier than to have ALL of her grown children move back home? And of course, you’ve got a spouse and kids of your own now—with ALL of her kids and grandkids back under her roof, a minute won’t go by without her getting to be a mother! She can re-mother you, mother-in-law your spouse, grand-mother your kids, and EVEN dog-mother your pets! WOW! This Mother’s Day will be epic!

YIKES! Make it STOP! Reboot! Put on the brakes!

So what DOES Mom really want? Something pure – something personal – something pampering. She wants SeabuckWonders! Give her serenity, health and beauty in a bottle with SeabuckWonders’ personal care product line. These natural, non-GMO, cruelty-free, organic products are packed with a high concentration of sea buckthorn oil for maximum results. That means healthier, softer and more beautiful skin for Mom and for all those who add these products to their daily routine.

Kick it up a notch by adding in some of SeabuckWonders’ supplements like the Sea Buckthorn Berry and Seed Oils and Omega-7 Complete. Among others, the respected Dr. Mehemet Oz of “The Dr. Oz Show” has been praising sea buckthorn oils and liquid supplements for their profound balancing, soothing and rejuvenating properties. This cherished “super fruit” is rich in antioxidants, essential amino acids, vitamin E, the rare Omega 7, and 190 other bioactive nutrients. (Plus, Moms think Dr. Oz is HOT!)

You can find all of SeabuckWonders’ amazing products at www.seabuckwonders.com. Purchase online or find a store in your area, and make Mom happy this Mother’s Day. She deserves it!

Visit the SeabuckWonders Facebook page to enter their “Tasteless Mother’s Day Gift” Contest!

Earn another chance to win by entering my “Tasteless Mother’s Day Gift” Contest! To enter, you must post below with the worst Mother’s Day gift you can think of to receive, or one you have actually received. Additional entries can be earned by following From Mascara to Meatloaf on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+ (please post your usernames/links in the posting so I can verify). Contest ends on Sunday, May 5 at 12:00am! Good luck!!!

Tasty Tuesday: Hershey’s “Perfectly Chocolate” Chocolate Cake

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Apr 092013
 


Serves 10 – 12
Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup HERSHEY’S Cocoa
1½ TSP baking powder
1½ TSP baking soda
1 TSP salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 TSP vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
“Perfectly Chocolate” Chocolate Frosting (Recipe follows)

Directions:
Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.

Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with “Perfeectly Chocolate” Chocolate Frosting.

“Perfectly Chocolate” Chocolate Frosting:
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
2/3 cup HERSHEY’S Cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 TSP vanilla extract

Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency.
Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups frosting.

VARIATIONS:
ONE-PAN CAKE: Grease and flour 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Heat oven to 350° F. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely. Frost.

THREE LAYER CAKE: Grease and flour three 8-inch round baking pans. Heat oven to 350°F. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost.

BUNDT CAKE: Grease and flour 12-cup Bundt pan. Heat oven to 350°F. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 50 to 55 minutes. Cool 15 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely. Frost.

CUPCAKES: Line muffin cups (2-1/2 inches in diameter) with paper bake cups. Heat oven to 350°F. Fill cups 2/3 full with batter. Bake 22 to 25 minutes. Cool completely. Frost. About 30 cupcakes.

(Apparently this is also the same recipe as One Bowl Chocolate Cake, which is where my friend’s recipe from. She does use a Chocolate Buttercream frosting recipe, though I’m sure it’s close to the one posted.)

{A Very Late} Friday Five

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Apr 082013
 

(Yes, I realize it’s Monday, but I totally forgot to post this, and I wanted to make sure it was up!)

Cetaphil DailyAdvance Ultra Hydrating Lotion

This has been a God-send for me lately! As you may (or may not) know, I’ve been dealing with hormonal acne caused by PCOS for years. I grew up having trouble-free skin with only the occasional pimple around Aunt Flo’s monthly visit. Imagine the horror when at 30 years old I ended up having acne! Though under control, I do have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is being treated by my derm with a slew of treatments. Needless to say, they’re leaving me a bit dry and flaky. Enter Cetaphil DailyAdvance Ultra Hydrating Lotion! It’s extremely hydrating without leaving me to feel like I’m drowning in a heavy moisturizer. It definitely helps keep my peelies and flakies at bay, and it’s extremely calming for when my skin is irritated! I do believe this has become my holy grail facial moisturizer!

Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick

I know everyone and their mama seems to have balm sticks out, but they are not all the same! Revlon’s are more of a stain, and are pretty hydrating; I wasn’t at all a fan of the version put out by Covergirl; and why pay for Clinique when there’s drugstore versions? Well, I can definitely say I am head over heels in love with my Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick in Fresh Papaya! I wear this daily, and it has trumped all of my other lippies! My lips feel very well hydrated, and even once the color has worn off, my lips are still soft and smooth. I currently only own Fresh Papaya and Rich Raisin, but I plan on buying at least Bright Berry and Warm Caramel!

Lil’ Shuga!

Once upon a time I quit using sugar and began using substitutes. I finally found the perfect one at my local grocery store… Until they quit carrying it! So I gave up. Then, along came Lil’ Shuga changing the game entirely! Lil’ Shuga is made from organic sugar cane and Stevia. I’ve used this in tea and on baked sweet potatoes, and it’s wonderful! There’s no weird artificial taste, and it has what seems a natural sweetness. I definitely see this being a staple over the summer for sweet tea and lemonade! Not to mention, there’s only 5 calories per 1/3 TSP and a little goes a long way! Highly recommended product for anyone looking for an alternative sweetener. (This product was sent to me for review. For more information, please read my Disclosure Policy.)

Hell’s Kitchen

Hell’s Kitchen is on of my favorite shows, and the new season started a few weeks ago! Gordon Ramsay is the perfect amount of mean, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s actually kind of sexy. I don’t have a certain person I’m rooting for just yet, but the Red Team is kickin’ butt and taking names! And my lovely little Belgian, Jean Philippe is back! Yay! I do like all of Ramsay’s shows, except I haven’t watched Master Chef, and a lot of his UK shows I haven’t seen (like “The ‘F’ Word”). Kitchen Nightmares is definitely a fave though, as is Hotel Hell!

What’s the Word App

I know, I know! Really, an app?! But yes, it’s awesome! I don’t even know how many levels there are, and nor do I care! What’s the Word? is uber fun and can be challenging at times. My daughter is actually the whole reason I started playing it. I wanted to resist liking it, but I couldn’t help it. Even my husband plays with me! He’s actually pretty good at figuring out the ones I can’t get. I do have to confess and admit to downloading the cheat for the game as well, but it’s not always effective. It does look like this is something you can download for Windows Phones, and either play online or download.

If you could only have one…

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Mar 172013
 

RandomMakeupFrom time to time my friend Dionela and I like to ask each other, “If you could only have one {insert product} for the rest of your life, what would it be?” Lately I’ve been debating on getting rid of my makeup and sticking to just a handful of basics, which has prompted me to ask myself this question. So, if I could only have one of each, what would be the products of choice?

  • Face Primer: Revlon PhotoReady Perfecting Primer
  • Foundation: Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15 in Vanilla
  • Concealer: L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Concealer in Light/Medium Warm – W4-5
  • Blush: NYX Powder Blush in Bourgeois Pig
  • Highlighter: Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer SPF 15 in Reserve Your Cabana
  • Bronzer: NYC Sun ‘n’ Bronze Bronzing Powder in Fire Island Tan
  • Eye Primer: Too Faced Shadow Insurance
  • Eyeshadow: Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Single in Brulee
  • Eyeliner: Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Black
  • Mascara: Covergirl Professional All-in-One Waterproof Mascara in Very Black
  • Lip Balm: Bonne Bell Lip Smackers in Red Raspberry
  • Lipstick: Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Lipcolor in Love It!
  • Lipgloss: NYX Mega High Shine Lipgloss in Beige

Nail polish can’t count because I need variety somewhere… And skin care can’t count since I’ve yet to find my perfect products. However, I think I can safely say the aforementioned products could very well last me if they were the only makeup products I could ever have for life.

So, if you only had one of each, what would your products be?

Friday Five

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Mar 152013
 

Formerly known as “Friday Favorites,” I bring you my “Friday Five!”

Wet n Wild Reserve Your Cabana Color Icon Bronzer

I heard this was a great highlighter, so I of course snapped one up as soon as I saw it! It’s a perfect highlighter, no matter what skin tone you are. Even better, I can also use it as an all-over wash for an eyeshadow. It’s definitely a new staple in my daily makeup routine! Not to mention, it’s HUGE and only cost $4.19 at CVS! If you don’t have it, go Reserve Your Cabana now!

Tarte Peaceful Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush

I got this as part of the “Glow Your Way to Gorgeous” set released in July 2011. I’ve shied away from shimmery blushes for a while now, but since I’m wearing matte foundations, I figure I need “glow” somewhere. I own this in Exposed, which I truly love. However, I wanted something slightly different to brighten my face. Peaceful did just that, but also has me wanting yet another blush! I do believe Blushing Bride may be my next Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush!

Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15

I got a sample of this a few days ago, and I’m so glad it worked out for me! It’s seems so rare to have a Clinique MA who is my skin tone, or who realizes I’m less neutral than it seems. I’d heard good things about this foundation, but had never tried it. Luckily, it’s a perfect match (07 Vanilla)! So far it’s been lasting all day regardless of what primer I use, or if I set it. Clinique Even Better Makeup looks very natural and feels like I’m wearing nothing. It also hides my acne scarring as much as I can get it without using concealer (which I’m too lazy to use). I do believe my sample will be turning into a full-size purchase and my MAC SFF will be going back!

Paris Presents High-Definition Powder Brush

I bought this from Wal-Mart on a whim, and I figured for less than $8 it wouldn’t do a lot of harm. I’ve been using this brush for a few weeks to apply my blush, and I’m very happy with it. It’s no wonder the brush is a good one, as Paris Presents also makes EcoTools and Real Techniques. I might get the actual blush brush to see how well I like it, and start using this for apply my powder.

New York Color Grand Central Station Nail Polish

Ever since my absolute favorite quick dry top coat was discontinued, I’ve had to find a replacement. While I’m not sure if anything will ever be as good as Borghese Presto, this is close! Now, I’m sure N.Y.C. Grand Central Station is simply meant to be a quick dry clear polish, but it works amazingly well as a fast dry top coat! I haven’t had any issues with shrinkage, smudging or dragging. Not only is this cheap for $1.99, it’s also widely available (compared to my Borghese which I could only get at Rite-Aid). I think I found a winner!

Tasty Tuesday: Roast Sticky Chicken

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Mar 122013
 

Photo Courtesy of Food.com

Ingredients:
2 TSP salt
2 TSP paprika
1/2 TSP cayenne pepper
1 TSP onion powder
1 TSP ground thyme
1 TSP white pepper
1/2 TSP garlic powder
1/2 TSP black pepper
1 large roasting chicken
1 large onion, peeled and quartered

Directions:
1. The night before, remove neck and giblets from chicken cavity, rinse well inside and out, and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Blend all spices together, and rub chicken with spice mixture (both inside and out, and under breast skin), then stuff cavity with onion.
3. Either wrap in plastic wrap, and bag in plastic grocery bag, or use large resealable food storage bag.
4. Remove from plastic bag and place in a shallow baking pan.
5. Roast uncovered in a 400°F oven for about 20 minutes.
6. Reduce heat to 300°F and roast for remaining time. Let stand 10 minutes before carving.

***SIDE NOTES***
I read a lot of the reviews on the original recipe, and edited accordingly. It was still super yummy, and it was probably the moistest chicken I’ve ever made. EVERYONE wanted seconds! Next time I’ll try it with split breasts, or even a turkey breast!

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