It is with a heavy heart that I announce that I will no longer be blogging. The recent events in my life have become greater than I can bear. I need to extend a huge apology to those with whom I was in collaboration with. I deeply apologize for my abandonment of the projects we were working on. I just need to focus on my family and my health right now. I hope all of the wonderful people I have met will understand.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Stash or Trash? Empties Spring 2014
It seems that my empties bin overflowth! Therefore it must be time to do some empties! Let’s dig right in and see what I’ve been digging.
Aussie Mega Hairspray – Stash
I like the smell. I like the hold. I like the price. It works for me and I’ll keep repurchasing this one.
Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle – Stash
There is usually a bottle of this kicking around my shower. It’s in between a conditioner and a hair mask. So it’s good for when I feel like I need a bit more but don’t have the time for a hair mask.
Aussie Instant Freeze Hairspray – Stash
While Chicago may be known as the windy city, Oklahoma has the wind that comes sweeping down the plains. Sometimes a girl needs some major hold. This will get it done like Aquanet but without the offensive smell.
Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal – Trash
It just didn’t do much for my hair. Honestly I prefer my Suave Keratin Smooth and Shine Serum. It’s a fraction of the cost and my hair seems to like it better. I enjoyed trying this but no thanks.
Organix Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Weightless Healing Dry Oil – Stash
I love this stuff it is the closest thing I have found to the Fekkai Glossing Mist, which I cannot find anywhere now. However, I have become really fond of this and have already repurchased.
Skin Effects Advanced Brightening Complex – Trash
I bought this because I found it on clearance and I always enjoy trying new products. While it was good it wasn’t great. I didn’t necessarily notice anything special about it.
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer – Trash
Super slick silicone primers just don’t work the best for me. I like something that has a bit more grip to it. This always just makes me feel like my foundation is gonna just slide right off my face.
Laura Gellar The Real Deal Remedy Stick – Trash
While the Smashbox was too slick, the Real Deal primer is a bit to dry. It claims to be a primer, perfector and mattifier. I have dry skin so I don’t need a mattifier and I just didn’t care for the texture of this one.
MAC Prep + Prime – Trash
I’m not a fan. I forced myself to get through this one and I did it! Now, Back to MAC it goes! I just don’t think it did much to provide a flawless base upon which to apply foundation, nor did it seem to make my makeup last any longer.
Mary Kay Indulge Soothing Eye Gel – Stash
I would repurchase this again as I really enjoyed the way it felt. I haven’t as I am currently using up a couple of other eye gels. To be honest, this sample has been kicking around my stash for several years and it was time to give it the boot!
True Blue Apricot & White Tea Supremely Smoothing Face Scrub – Trash
It was good as far as scrubs go but I can’t see paying the price for it when it truly reminded me of St Ives. I enjoyed trying it but I won’t be buying the full size.
Mary Kay Full Coverage Foundation – Trash
I am ashamed to admit how long this foundation has been in my collection. In my defense I haven’t used it in probably 5 years. I have found plenty of other foundations that I enjoy way more than this one. It’s time to let this one go.
Simple Eye Make-up Remover – Stash
I have purchased and repurchased this eye makeup remover. It works well for me and it doesn’t sting or leave my eyes feeling like a greasy mess. I will continue to repurchase this one time and again.
Almay Oil-Free Makeup Eraser Sticks – Stash
I love these little ingenious buggers. They are cotton swabs preloaded with eye makeup remover. You break off one tip and the fluid flows into the other tip and you have a convenient way to remove little oops. Sadly, I think they are being discontinued.
Simple Radiance and Cleansing Facial Wipes – Stash!
I absolutely love these wipes. They are easily made of the softest cloth I’ve ever known makeup wipes to be made from. They have plenty of remover in them so they do a good job of taking off my makeup. I will always repurchase these.
CVS Cleansing and Makeup Removing Towelettes – Stash
I usually have these on hand for wiping up makeup messes, cleaning swatches, etc. While they aren’t as soft as the Simple wipes they work and they are cheap.
La Fresh Makeup Remover Wipes – Trash
This is the third or forth package of these I have gotten through subscription services. I don’t like the wipes or the way they leave my face feeling but they are perfect for wiping off swatches.
CVS Eye Makeup Remover Pads – Trash
They leave a slight oily film on my eyes which I don’t care for and the package never resealed properly so they dried out. I won’t be buying them again.
Revlon Colorstay Crème Gel Eyeliner – Stash
I really enjoy this eyeliner. It seems to be the perfect amount that I can actually get through before it dries out. I love the blendability and the wearability of this eyeliner.
Eyelure Naturalites Natural Volume Eyelashes – Stash
These are everyday wear kind of lashes. They add the something extra without being overboard. I have used most of the different styles available and I’m not partial to one over another as I believe that some looks call for different eyelashes. These fit my eyes well and wear well. I have used numerous pairs and will continue to use these.
ELF Essential Brightening Eye Quad – Trash
No while there’s nothing wrong with these quad they just never get reached for. I have these same colors with better pigmentation in other brands. They are great if you are on a budget or just starting out but they just don’t get any love in my collection.
ELF Cream Eyeshadow – Trash
This cream eyeshadow was just never creamy for me. It always felt dry and difficult to work with. I am not sure why I didn’t toss it a year ago but it’s just been hanging out in my collection. Time to kiss it goodbye!
Physicians Formula Eye Booster Eyeliner – HOLY GRAIL Stash
If you have never tried this eyeliner pen you are truly missing out. I love everything about this eyeliner. It has a brush tip instead of a felt tip. The formula is long wearing and jet black. This pen never seems to die. It took quite some time for me to use up this little gem. Seriously, everyone needs this in their life.
Gelous by American Classics – Stash
Again and again and again this will be stash! I truly love this stuff and will continue to buy it. It makes my manicures last longer and gives them a super shiny finish. I have already repurchased and will continue to repurchase.
Maybelline Color Sensational Popsticks – Trash
Actually it should be listed under “What were you thinking?” It’s a clear lipstick. Think about it. Clear. Therefore, it shows up on your lips the same way……clear. Back in the day when I was actually wearing them they usually were placed under something that actually had color. But they have just been hanging around my drawer and it’s time to send them on their way.
L’Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Waterproof Mascara– Trash
I enjoyed this mascara and it works well but there are other mascaras that just do more for my lashes.
Too Faced Lashlight Mascara– Trash
This was gifted to me by a friend and it did nothing for my lashes except add some color. No volume or length. It was gimmicky at best.
Josie Maran GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara – Trash
Natural is the key word in the name of this product. That is exactly what it gave me natural looking lashes. What the point of that?
Tarte Multipleye Lash Primer (X2) – Trash
While I really enjoy this lash primer I found that the Sephora brand primer works much better for me. I purchased several tubes of the Sephora brand while it was on sale. If I could no longer find the Sephora brand I would go back to this.
Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara – Trash
I like this mascara but I don’t love this mascara. There are several other mascaras that do more for my lashes.
L’Oreal Telescopic Explosion Waterpoof Mascara – Trash
This one has been hanging out in my collection for quite some time. I am not even sure how it preforms its just been hanging out that long. I don’t remember it being anything special and the brush is actually a ball…… weird!
L’Oreal Double Extend Waterproof Mascara – Trash
This was purchased around the same time as the one above. I don’t remember much about it but it’s time for it to go nonetheless. I don’t remember it being fantastic so I doubt it was.
Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious – Stash
I currently have an unopened tube of this mascara. I really like what it does for my lashes. I would be curious to put this one up side by side against Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara.
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Jumbo Lash Mascara – Stash
I really enjoy this mascara. It works well for my lashes and performs well too. I already have a new tube of this mascara going. It will be a regular player in my mascara routine for a long time to come.
Lorac Multiplex 3D Lash Mascara – Trash
I don’t remember this sample being anything worthy of writing home about. It’s been hanging around my collection for quite some time and it needs to go!
Whew! That was quite a long list of empties. I have really been pushing myself to clean out my collection and use up my samples. I was doing a great job of that until March. Once I get back home I will continue to work at cleaning out my collection and working through my sample collection.
“Life is not about finding your true self, but creating who you wish to be.”
― Steven Redhead, Keys to Creating Your Reality
I have decided to make a quilt out of Mom’s old t-shirts for my sister, our children and myself. I figure it’s a great way to cuddle up with Mom like I used to when I was a kid.
After you dissect the t-shirt you need to determine which size of block works best for the logo printed on the shirt. This is done by laying different sizes of rotary cutting rulers over the logo. This large circle logo is best suited to a 15 inch block instead of a 12 inch block. After deciding what size but before cutting you will need iron fusible backing onto the back side of the shirt. This will help stabilize the t-shirt which will allow the quilt to hold it’s shape better.
These three rows of blocks will actually be placed into three different quilts. I have several more shirts to cut before I begin sewing. I will keep all of you updated on the progress of my quilts. So stay tuned for updates!
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
The Resolute Beauty Blogger April 2014
It is once again the 15th of the month! Woo Hoo! I actually really like checking back in with my blogging resolutions. It’s a great way to give my blog a monthly check up to ensure that I am achieving the things I hope to achieve. It’s no secret that my Mother’s passing has thrown me off my blogging game but I will tell you that I have some exciting things coming up. In the next weeks, you’ll see me push and stretch to grow my talents as a blogger. So stay tuned.
- Participate in a swap with another blogger. – Not yet but I’m not stressing over this one yet. Life has truly been crazy.
- To be a guest blogger on someone else's blog. – Again not yet but I will be focusing on this.
- To have someone else guest post on my blog. – Sadly, this one hasn’t yet happened either.
- Create an innovative tag – I was part of the creative process for Beauty Love Affair, Face Five Challenge, and My Lipstagram as well. The creative process stalled for a bit but I’m getting back into the swing of things.
- Shop my stash at least twice – Need to do this soon! The problem is right now that I am not living with my stash. I am staying with Dad until he is ready to be alone and I haven’t moved my stash here.
- Participate in another No Buy – I need to work on this one soon. Maybe for May. Any others interesting in supporting each other through a no buy?
- Be approached by beauty companies to review their product – Yep,I am thrilled to say that I’ve been approached by a couple of companies to do reviews; but I find it a little less satisfying than just writing what I prefer to write.
- Begin making YouTube videos. – This won’t be happening anytime soon as I don’t have my camera with me. I am actually using my cell phone for blog pics right now.
- Publish at least 1 makeup look a month. – I have been awful about this but I have gotten better about including selfies during reviews!
- Learn to utilize ToDoist app to the fullest. – I love ToDoist. I am really becoming diligent about keeping my list and my notes on either ToDoist or my calendar. I have ToDoist linked to my calendar and a large widget on the home page of my phone. Score! This one I have truly progressed on.
- Review at least 4 products a month. – I have fallen a bit behind on this one but I have plenty of reviews coming up so I don’t think the overall count for the year will fall short.
- Publish at least 2 product duels a month. – I need to get working on this one. I am behind the curve and need to play catch up.
- Utilize my Facebook blog page more. – Does anyone really read Facebook anymore?
- Explore other social media sites. – I’ll admit it I haven’t even tried with this one recently.
- Incorporate more positive tips into my blog. – I think I do a pretty good job of keeping things positive on my blog. I tend to throw in the occasional inspired living post.
- Include a beauty or self confidence quote on my blog each week. – I will admit that I am not at 100% on this one but the majority of my blog posts have a quote.
“Live in the present and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering.” ~Ida Scott Taylor
Monday, April 14, 2014
Cargo A Vintage Escape
I recently discovered that Ulta will no longer be carrying Cargo and Pop Beauty. Consequently, Ulta is offering 50% off of the remaining stock from both lines. I happened to be shopping near Ulta, so I popped in to see what goodies I could find. I am not overly familiar with either of the lines. I’ve received a couple of items from Pop Beauty in my Ipsy bag and I’d heard good things about Cargo.
I discovered this adorable kit called ‘A Vintage Escape’ for only $18.00 which is a great price for a kit containing two full sized items and three deluxe sample size items. So, I thought I would I purchase the kit and explore the brand, even if it will no longer be carried in Ulta. I must say though that the best part of this kit was that it rang up at $9.00 not $18.00! I’ll take 2 points; because, I believe I just scored!!!
I was really looking forward to trying their lipstick and was quite delighted to learn that the kit included a full size Cargo Essential Lip Color in Dubai which is a beautiful spice colored neutral shade. I have found this lipstick to be extremely hydrating and quite comfortable on the lips. It contains great ingredients like shea butter, olive oil and jojoba oil. It is also packs some pigmentation!
Cargo’s Water Resistant Blush in Bali is a gorgeous peachy pink with an amazing almost iridescent shimmer to it. Now, I can’t attest to the water resistant part of this blush as don’t typically walk around under waterfalls or sprinklers all day. It did rain for about 10 minutes today but I wasn’t in the mood to go dance around in it as the rain was laced with hail. Nope, not my idea of fun. I will, also, admit that when I first swatched this blush I was like, “Um, Naw!” Iridescence? on my face? I think not! But in the interest of beauty research I gladly swished that blush laden brush across my cheek and something magical happened. I will just say that there is something about this blush that provides a gorgeous luminescent glow to the cheeks. It’s that dare I say it, ‘lit from within’ glow that everyone is so fond of these days. Not sure what light is in there but it looks really good.
Let’s about Yukon. No one really expects to find anything exciting going on there; but, Yukon might just surprise you. I know it looks like just another average taupe shade; but, WOWZA this one knocked me in the knickers. The texture is silky, smooth and downright delightful. I prefer to apply this one with a sponge tipped applicator as it provides more even distribution of the pigmentation and more shine. This particular shade of taupe leans a bit more green which works well for my green eyes.
The kit also contains the Picture Perfect Eyeshadow Promer and the Triple Action Mascara. I’m not gonna lie, I can’t tell you anything about either of these products other than that they both come in black basic packaging and that they are included in the kit. I have other primers and mascaras open that I am trying to work my way through; so, I didn’t even bother to open either of them. Sorry, beauty blogger fail, folks.
Here is the obligatory beauty blogger hand swatch. The Bali is on the left, Yukon in the middle and Dubai is on the right, as if you couldn’t guess that. Well, I felt it needed to be said written. For $9.00 I will tell you that I am quite delighted with this little kit. In addition to all of the goodies contained within the box itself is darling. If you happen to stumble across this kit in Ulta I would highly recommend you snatch it up.
“We travel not to escape life, but for life to not escape us.”
I would like to introduce you to my great great grandparents George and Charlotte Lloyd both born in the 1820s in Wales. They spent the majority of their lives working hard, farming and raising a family. Charlotte gave birth to 12 children. Sadly, it seems that two of them died prior to becoming teenagers. In approximately, 1883 they immigrated to America with 8 of their children. After arriving in America, George, Charlotte and the children settled in Nebraska. The majority of the children eventually wandered all over the United States. If you do the math, you will soon discover that 2 children are remained in Wales as they were already married and raising families. I am frantically searching for the offspring of those 2 children they left in Wales; but, as of yet I haven’t found any. I have located some of their spouse’s family members; but, none that are directly related to the two siblings left in Wales. Hopefully someday soon I will be able to reconnect with my Welsh relatives. I will keep you informed of my search for my long lost relatives.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Sunday Scores and Steals 4/16/14 – 4/22/14
It feels really good to be back with Sunday Scores and Steals. In case you aren’t familiar Brittnee from Beauty Product A Day and I help you find the greatest savings on cosmetics and beauty problems each week. While Brittnee gives you some great options at Ulta, Sephora, Sally or elsewhere. I always cover the best savings at CVS. If you have never couponed at CVS and are unsure where to start please read Learn How to Coupon at CVS. Don’t forget to go visit Brittnee to see what goodies she has found for you as well.
Per the Sunday Coupon Preview we are receiving 2 Smart Source coupon inserts and 1 Red Plum coupon insert. As usual, I will be getting 4 copies of my local paper.
Abbreviation Key:
$1/1 - $1.00 off 1 item coupon
$3/2 - $3.00 off 2 items coupon
2/$8 - 2 items for $8.00 purchase
PG - Proctor and Gamble coupon insert in Sunday paper preceded by distribution date, i.e. 1/26/14PG
RP - Red Plum insert in Sunday paper preceded by distribution date, i.e. 2/9/14RP
SS - Smart Source insert in Sunday paper preceded by distribution date, i.e. 2/2/14SS
BOGO - Buy One Get One Free
BOG50% or BOG50 - Buy One Get 50% off the second
MQ - Manufacturer's Coupon
CVSQ - CVS Coupon - In Store Coupon Center
ECB - Extra Care Bucks issued for specific amount off a future transaction
OOP - Out of Pocket
wyb - when you buy
Bonus
Photo Book – 4x6 Photo Book
$4.99 ECB wyb 1 – Free after ECB
Ban – Refresh Cooling Body Cloths
Coupon Free Ban Refresh Cooling Body Cloths 4/13/14SS - Free After Coupon
Almay – Cosmetics
$1.99 ECB wyb 1 – Lip Balm or Eye Makeup Remover
$4/1 Almay Cosmetics 4/13/14SS - Free After Coupon + ECB
Cosmetics
Almay – Cosmetics
$1.99 ECB wyb 1 – Lip Balm or Eye Makeup Remover
BOG50% – Excludes Lip and Eye Makeup Remover
$4/1 Almay Cosmetics 4/13/14SS
Sally Hansen - Cosmetics
$5 ECB wyb $10
Nivea – Lip Care
$5 ECB wyb 3
CoverGirl – Select Cosmetics
Sale $7.99 – Lashblash Mascara or Trublend Foundation
Sale 30% Off – Outlast Lip Color
Physicians Formula – Cosmetics
BOG50%
Wet n Wild – Select Cosmetics
Sale 2/$5
Revlon - Cosmetics
BOG50%
BOG50%
Milani – Cosmetics
BOG50%
Maybelline - Volum’Express, Great Lash Mascara, Line Express Eyeliner or ExpertWear Shadow Quads
Sale $5
Coupon $1/1 Maybelline Mascara or $1/1 Maybelline Eyeshadow 4/13/14RP or PRINTABLE
Nuance Salma Hayek – Cosmetics, Hair, Body or Facial Care
BOG50%
Facial Care
Johnson & Johnson Select Products – Neutrogena Facial Care, Cosmetics, Hair Care, Men's Products, Hand Cream 2-3 oz or Specialty Bath Products
$10 ECB wyb $30
Coupon $1/1 Neutrogena Pore Refining Product or PRINTABLE
Garnier – Skin Care
$3 ECB wyb 2
Vichy – Skin Care
$10 ECB wyb 1
CVS – Facial Cleansers, Towelettes or Acne Care
$3 ECB wyb 2
Olay – Select Skin Care
$2 ECB wyb 1
Sale $19.99 - Regenerist or Total Effects Tone
Sale $24.99 – Regenerist Premium
Ponds, Dr Lin and Cetaphil – Facial Care
BOG50%
Clean & Clear, RoC - Facial Care
BOG50%
Coupon $1/1 Clean and Clear 4/13/14SS or PRINTABLE
Coupon $2/1 RoC 4/13/14SS or PRINTABLE
BOG50%
Lumene – Facial Care
BOG50%
B2G1
Coupon $1/1 Aveeno Product 4/13/14SS or PRINTABLE
Other Facial Care Coupons
Hair Care
L’Oreal – Preference, Ever or Oleo Hair Care
$4 ECB wyb 2
Axe or Clear – Shampoo, Conditioner, Antiperspirant/Deodorant, Body Spray, or Shower Gel
$5 ECB wyb $15
BOG50%
Dark and Lovely, Optimum or Let’s Jam – Select Hair Care
$3 ECB wyb $10
Rogaine – Men’s or Women’s 3 pack
$10 ECB wyb 1
Sale $39.99
Coupon $10/1 Three pack or PRINTABLE
$10 ECB wyb $20
Fx or OGX – Hair Care
BOG50%
Nuance Salma Hayek – Cosmetics, Hair, Body or Facial Care
BOG50%
CVS – Select Hair Care
BOG50%
Aveeno – Facial Care, Hand/Body Lotions, Personal Cleansing, Hair Care or Sun Care
B2G1
Premium Hair – TIGI, Joico, Biosilk, CHI, Rusk, Agadir, Macadamia, DermOrganic or Peter Coppola
BOG50%
BOG50%
Other Hair Coupons
Personal Care
Johnson & Johnson Select Products – Lubriderm
$10 ECB wyb $30
Coupon $1/1 Lubriderm Product or PRINTABLE
Schick – Razors, Cartridges, Disposables, Edge or Skintimate Shave Gel
$10 ECB wyb $25
Coppertone – Sun Care
$5 ECB wyb 2
Softsoap – Body Wash
$1.50 ECB wyb 1
Sale $3.99
Jergens or Curel – Lotion
$5 ECB wyb $15
$5 ECB wyb $15
Sale 2/$18
Coupon $1/1 Jergens Natural Glow 4/13/14SS or PRINTABLE
CVS – Mouthwash 1 Liter, Multi-pack Toothbrushes, Deodorant or ANY CVS Shaving Products
$3 ECB wyb $
Gillette or Venus – Disposables
$2 ECB wyb 2
Electric Trimmers/Shavers – Men’s or Women’s
$5 ECB wyb 1
Axe or Clear – Shampoo, Conditioner, Antiperspirant/Deodorant, Body Spray, or Shower Gel
$5 ECB wyb $15
BOG50%
Speed Stick or Lady Speed Stick – Antiperspirant/Deodorant
$2 ECB wyb 2
Sale 2/$5
Ban – Antiperspirant/Deodorant
$4 ECB wyb 2
Vaseline or St Ives – Spray and Go
BOG50%
Fragrance – Select designer or celebrity
BOG50%
BOG50%
Other Personal Care Coupons
Oral Care
Johnson & Johnson Select Products – ListerIne
$10 ECB wyb $30
Sale $4.99
Coupon $1/1 Listerine product or PRINTABLE
Colgate – Max 6 oz, Total 4-4.2 oz, 2in1 4.6 oz or Optic White 4 oz
Sale $3
Coupon $2.50/1 – Instant coupon from Coupon Center
$0.50/1 Colgate Manual Toothbrush 4/13/14SS
Colgate – Multi-Pack Toothpaste or Toothbrush
$2 ECB wyb 1
Colgate – Optic White Toothbrush + Built-in Whitening Pen
$5 ECB wyb 1
Colgate – 360º Toothbrush
$1.50 ECB wyb 1
Sale $2.99
Oral-B – Power Refills 3 ct., Vitality Floss or Pro-Health Power Toothbrush
$7 ECB wyb 1
CVS – Mouthwash 1 Liter, Multi-pack Toothbrushes, Deodorant or ANY CVS Shaving Products
$3 ECB wyb $10
Other Oral Care Coupons
My shopping list:
| Product | Qty | Cost | MQ | CVSQ | ECBU | OOP | ECBR | Cost/ea |
| Colgate 360 Toothbrush | 2 | $5.98 | $1.00 | $3.00 | $2.00 | Free | $3.00 | Free |
| Colgate Optic White Toothpaste | 2 | $6.00 | $1.00 | $2.50 | $2.00 | $0.50 | $0.50 | |
| Almay Liquid Lip Balm | 1 | $5.99 | $4.00 | $2.00 | FREE | $1.99 | FREE | |
| 4x6 Photo Book | 1 | $4.99 | $4.99 | $4.99 | FREE | |||
| Ban Body Cloths | 1 | $3.39 | $3.39 | FREE | FREE | |||
| Axe Body Spray | 4 | $17.96 | $4.00 | $5.00 | $8.96 | $5.00 | $2.24 | |
| Jergens Natural Glow | 2 | $18.00 | $2.00 | $1.00 | $5.00 | $10.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Maybelline Volum’ Express mascara | 1 | $5.00 | $1.00 | $4.00 | ||||
| Neutrogena Cleanser | 2 | $17.98 | $2.00 | $4.00 | $4.00 | $7.98 | $4.00 | $3.99 |
| Listerine | 2 | $9.98 | $2.00 | $3.00 | $4.98 | $3.00 | $2.49 | |
| First Aid | 3 | $15.00 | $5.00 | $3.00 | $7.00 | $3.00 | $2.33 | |
| Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear | 3 | $3.39 | $1.50 | $5.00 | $3.67 | $5.00 | $1.33 |