Product Review -- Blueberry/Blackberry Herbal Tea

Blueberry/Blackberry Herbal Tea

by

teaman

Everyone that really knows me, knows that I am addicted to Dr. Pepper.  It's what I drink all day, all the time.  It's my morning caffeine, my afternoon thirst quencher, my evening snack.   And it's very, very bad for me.  I know this, so I'm on the hunt for a substitute that is good me besides water.

I've tried all kinds of coffee, and I've tried doctoring it with sugar and creamer...nothing works...I just don't like coffee, but I sure do loveeeee the smell of coffee (so wish I could find one that I liked). 

I do really love Tim Horton's Iced Cappuccino Supreme...somehow with the whipped cream and chocolate syrup, I don't think that's good for me either.

I recently found etsy seller teaman, and decided to try his Iced Tea Sampler, because I do like sweet tea in the summer.  I've never been a hot tea drinker.

Here is what comes in the sampler set...

Mango black tea 5 teabags

Peach black tea 5 teabags

Black Currant black tea 5 teabags

Apricot Splash white tea 5 teabags

Apricot/Strawberry herbal tea 5 teabags

Black Raspberry black tea 5 teabags

Blueberry black tea 5 teabags

Blueberry/Blackberry herbal tea 5 teabags

Chai black tea 5 teabags

Cherry/Orange/Almond black tea 5 teabags

Cranberry black tea 5 teabags

Lemon green tea 5 teabags

Mandarin Orange/Mango herbal tea 5 teabags

Peppermint herbal tea 5 teabags

Pomegranate/Blueberry white tea 5 teabags

Raspberry/Peach herbal tea 5 teabags

Strawberry black tea 5 teabags

Vanilla black tea 5 teabags

For a total of 90 teabags, packed in individual 5 packs.

So far I've only tried the Blueberry/Blackberry Herbal tea
and the Peach Black tea.  And let me just say, "Oh, My" to the Blueberry/Blackberry!!!  I'm in serious love with it, and I've already re-ordered.   The Peach, not so much, but maybe I just haven't found the right amount of sugar and water added.  As I said, I'm kinda new to this flavored tea thing.

teaman hand blends his teas and offers a HUGE  selection of flavors, bagged or loose.  And with well over 6,000 sales, others must agree.

Okay, now here's the part where I ask you for something... I am looking for your favorite cold beverages (good for you ones), even your favorite cold beverage recipes...I'd really love it if you'd share them with me.

Note:  This post is simply my opinion, I am not getting paid with cash or free tea!

Face & Body Product Review -- SageandMage Etsy Seller

Time for another product review...I've reviewed a few products from Etsy Seller SageandMage in this previous Review Post, and have since had the opportunity to try a few more.

Pure Shea Creme - 100% Natural - Tenderness Blend

I did not order the Pure Shea Creme, Genn sent it as a sample for me to try with my order, and ladies, can I just say..."Oh My!". This body Creme is so rich and lovely, a very little bit goes a long way and I will def be ordering some with my next order.

Truth Serum - Nourish Your True Skin

Here is what the listing for the Truth Serum says...

"Oh I love love love this serum! A lightweight, deeply nourishing and hydrating non-greasy serum for all skin types, especially problem and mature. I have very dry skin and this has helped me lots - equally great under make-up, as a night treatment or under/instead of your regular moisturizer"

I have not personally tried the Truth serum but according to my sis-in-law, Kelly, it delivers as advertised, so you can bet I'll be ordering it to try myself.

Moroccan Rose & Sandalwood Facial Mist & Toner

I've said before that I have severely dry skin in the winter,... in the summer, not so much. As soon as the humidity starts to climb, my skin becomes more normal, and a bit oily in the T-Zone. So I decided to give the facial mist a try...anddddd...you guessed it...another Heavenly product! It's cool and refreshing, smells Divine, and after a light spritz, I need very little moisturizer.

Duchess, Gus & I have started walking about a mile every morning, and coming home all sweaty, I can hardly wait to hop in a cold shower, wash my face then spritz this lovely new facial mist all over my face, neck and decolletage. Perks me right up. Here's what her listing says about the facial mist & toner...

"Moroccan Rose & Sandalwood is a marriage made in heaven and I decided to use the blend as the basis for a new range of Sage and Mage goodies. Rose absolute has the highest vibration of all the precious oils. It is a wonderful mood lifter and is incredibly soothing and healing on many plains. Sandalwood is a sacred scent and gives masculine balance to the feminine rose. Truly, a Divine combination.

To use, mist lightly over your face after cleansing to tone, lightly hydrate and refresh. Also really lovely as a cooling spray in summer, or as light hydrationto apply throughout the day. Especially nice if you're in an office - those artificial lights and recycled air can really dry your skin. Ditto great for air travel.
Rose water, rosehip oil and vegetable (kosher) glycerine soften and nourish, while witch hazel infused water closes the pores and smooths the skin. This blend has the added heavenly fragrance of benzoin, used here as a natural and - naturally gorgeous smelling - preservative. And of course, moroccan ose absolute and sandalwood essential oils nourish, calm and soothe...on many levels..."

Rose Geranium and Lemon Deluxe Body Creme

You can check back to my previous review post to see more info on this body creme,
I had not ordered it at that time, Genn sent it with my order as a sample and I simply fell in loveeeeeee with it, so of course had to order it this time. And I have to admit that every time I use, I just become more addicted to it.

Genn does have lots of giveaways on her Facebook Fan Page, you might want to become one of her followers for a chance to win something. Be sure to let her know I sent you.

I also have a Facebook Fan Page and although I haven't offered any giveaways of my own, I do have some things I'm planning to giveaway in the future, so become a follower to keep up to date.

Just so you know, this post is NOT a paid advertisement, just my personal opinions. If you've personally had the opportunity to use any of SageandMage's products, please let me know in the comments section at the end of this post, I'd love to hear what you think.

On a different subject, I was lucky enough to catch a few pics of a couple of our horses playing this morning and am planning to post them this week, soooooo....Stay Tuned!!!!

A Mother's Day Gift and Etsy Seller Review...

I found etsy seller Melisa of MimiandMoi4519 and simply fell in love with her re-purposed stained glass jewelry. She makes necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, brooches, and pendants. As soon as I saw her Keepsake Photo Bracelets, I contacted my siblings to see if they'd like to order one for our Mom for Mother's Day. We don't always buy gifts for Mother's Day so we were very excited to order this for her. All these pics are of the actual bracelet that we ordered, you can see other styles in Melisa's etsy shop.

Melisa had me email her the pics we wanted to use and she cropped them to the size needed, so we sent an adult and baby pic of each of us. She used the adult pic on one side of the charm with our baby pic on the backside of the same charm, then we chose to add our birthstones to the pic charms. We also added our parents birthstones as well.

Melisa has lots and lots of charms to choose from to really personalize your bracelet and we also chose charms that said "Family", "Wisdom" and "Mom".

Melisa has agreed to do a guest interview AND offer a giveaway, YAY!!! So keep watch for that in the next couple of weeks. (Let's hope Blogger has fixed all their problems! The problems have really messed with my blogging schedule.)

I was thrilled when the bracelet arrived, it was even more beautiful in person and our Mom loved it as well. Here is a quick pic my dad took of her wearing it.

This is another etsy seller that I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend... she is a JOY to work with, keeps in contact and offers outstanding customer service!!!

Skincare Product Review....TheHerbalRevolution Etsy Seller

(This product review is my opinion only, I am in no way affiliated with TheHerbalRevolution etsy shop, nor is this a paid advertisement)

As I've stated in past posts, I love looking for and trying out new skincare products...you might call it an obsession (it seems I have many). Today I'm offering my opinion of a couple of products from TheHerbalRevolution etsy shop that I have personally tried. Here is a little info about the shop...

"Herbal Revolution is based in beautiful mid-coast Maine where I wild gather herbs in a sustainable way from the salty coast, vast fields and enchanting forests. I also organically raise herbs in my garden with much love and respect. I also utilize other local organically raised herbs that when needed.

Herbal Revolution products are made in small batches to ensure the integrity and quality of the herbs that are being used. Every step in the process is taken with great care and respect infusing the herbs and the products with positive intentions and love."

Better Than Botox Face Mask
by
TheHerbalRevolution etsy shop

This first one is great for both oily and dry skin. I have very dry skin, so I mixed 1/2 teaspoon of the powder with 1/2 teaspoon of plain yogurt and just a dollop of honey. I LOVE it, my skin felt toned, tight and squeaky clean, while the surface looks smoothhhhhhh. I will say that with my dry skin, I am using it only once every two weeks, I tried once a week and started to feel too dry, but when the weather warms up and gets more humid, I'll probably bump it back up to once a week.

I'd like to have my daughter (who has oily skin) try it and see what she thinks of it. This is definitely a product I would buy again.

Eczema Cream

This Eczema Cream is also a new fav of mine. I have one spot on my lower calf this just showed up last fall, it's red, itchy and flaky, I have no idea if it's eczema or psoriasis, but I decided to try this cream and it has definitely reduced the redness and size of my spot. The flakiness and itchiness are completely gone.

The cream has a very medicinal scent and oily feel, not something you want to slather all over your body, I apply it just to my spot 2x daily. So I would also buy it again, but this jar should last me a long, long, long......time.

So go visit Katheryn's at her etsy shop, she has many other other products in addition to these two featured here, I'll definitely have to try out some more since I like these so well. Let her know I sent you!!!!

Week of Beauty -- Product Review

I received my first order from Gennifer of sageandmage Etsy shop, you'll remember her from the sageandmage Interview we did a few weeks ago. I placed my order with her based on her outstanding customer feedback AND after messaging back and forth with her about a "winter skin issue" I was having on my legs...dry, scaly, itchy spots. I've tried so many different products I found at Wallyworld and lotions I already had, but nothing was really doing the job. After a few emails, I went with her recommendations AND she sent me some samples of items that she mixed up especially for my problem areas. So I thought I'd share with you my findings...

Cocoa Chai All Natural Perfume

The perfume has nothing to do with my skincare issue, I just couldn't resist trying it after reading it's name..."Cocoa Chai"...well, I love all things cocoa, and I love chocolate chai tea...sooooo, I took a chance and ordered it...and can I just say "WOWZA" & "SHAZAM"!!!

I am normally attracted to light, floral fragrances...but I fell in loveeeeeee (singing)...with this puppy! Smells are so subjective, that I normally wouldn't try to recommend a fragrance to anyone, but I just had to share this one. Here's what she has in the shop description...

"This smells so heavenly - good enough to eat at first, then winds down to some smoky notes. It's a sophisticated, smoky, spicy, chocolatey, vanilla-y scent.

Cocoa chai is a very concentrated perfume blend of over 60 essential oils, tinctures, absolutes and co2s. I steeped organic vanilla beans in perfumer's alcohol for one month to create the vanilla tincture used in this fragrance, and it was worth the wait."

I would not have been able to explain any better than that!

Now I can't wait to try her other perfume's!

Rose Geranium and Lemon Deluxe Body Creme with colloidal oatmeal and honey

I forgot to tell you that when my order arrived and I opened my mailbox lid, the smell that hit me immediately was HEAVENLY!!!!!(that is the word I would use to describe each and every product and sample she sent me).

Here's the product desription for the Deluxe Body Creme...

I first formulated this creme, unscented, to soothe my toddler niece's eczema. It was such a lovely, emollient blend that I made some for more grown up skins, with strengthening and balancing oils of rose geranium and lemon.

You only need the tiniest amount to deeply moisturise your whole body - even less if you apply directly after showering. It has a non-greasy skin-feel, absorbs easily and though it is rich, is surprisingly light.

Honey powder and colloidal oatmeal soothe irritation and impart a cushiony softness to the skin while shea butter and extra virgin olive oil nourish and protect.

It smells refreshing and soothing at the same time

Moroccan Rose Dead Sea Facial Mud

Item description for Facial Mud...

Although Dead Sea mud is amazing on its own, I have added precious skin-healing oils to enhance its antibacterial, healing, soothing and nourishing qualities. There's Moroccan rose and rose otto absolutes as well as chamomile for soothing; rosehip, calendula and carrot oils for healing, lavender for its antiseptic and antibacterial qualities; rose geranium for sebum-balancing; and many more .

This mud blend leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated. It does not strip the skin or leave it feeling dry. It smells like heaven mixed with...mud. There's no escaping that. I love the smell personally - very earthy.

Moroccan-Rose and Sandalwood Facial Oil

Full of skin-loving essential oils and absolutes and deeply nourishing, healing and cleansing herbal extracts and botanical oils like calendula, carrot seed and natural vitamin E, Moroccan Rose & Sandalwood Facial oil is great for all skin types, but I formulated it especially for dryer or mature skins. It smells just lovely - the divine marriage of Moroccan rose and sandalwood with hints of patchouli, lavender, turmeric, benzoin and neroli.

I use Moroccan Rose & Sandalwood Facial Oil mainly as a night moisturiser so that it can absorb into my face while I sleep. It's really lovely as a cleansing oil - gets rid of eye makeup beautifully - and also as a healing oil for lingering acne or rough spots. Of course, I can't 'officially' claim these benefits, but it is a lovely oil, and I have found it to be very softening and soothing.

Even with super dry skin, I've never used an oil on my face...and I was very leery of of trying this one, I guess I had visions of a greasy, dirty look with adult acne making an appearance, but Gennifer recommended it, so I gave it a try....AND...."COWABUNGA"....my face has never felt softer, or smelled better! No oily or greasy feel AT ALL! I use it as my nighttime moisturizer AND add it to that yummy deluxe body cream....yep, Heaven...

You could say that Gennifer has a new lifetime customer...I'll definitely be reordering, and as I said, can't wait to try her other perfumes, I also can't wait to try some of the other items in her shop!!!! She was a pure pleasure to work with so I know if you place an order with her, you'll be very pleased, and don't forget to use the special coupon she is offering my followers...just type MYBLUEPEACOCK in the coupon code box when placing an order with her...be sure to let her know that I sent you!

Week of Beauty -- Hair Styling -- Part 5

Note: I am not affiliated in any way with Kenra Hair Care Products or Pureology Hair Care Products, nor is this a paid advertisement.

Here are a few fun facts about hair...

Lifespan of hair: 2 to 7 years

Humidity stretches hair

Combing is less detrimental than brushing

Male hair is denser than female hair (duh)

Split ends canNOT be repaired, they must be cut off (otherwise, the splits continue to travel the length of the hair shaft which weakens it, causing it to break off easily)

Next to bone marrow, hair is the fastest growing tissue in the human body

Forty percent of women by the time they reach menopause will have female pattern hair loss.

Hair grows at a rate of approximately 1/2 inch per month

Hair grows faster in warm weather

All these fun facts were taken from these great websites...

hairboutique.com
surviving-hairloss.com

Choosing the right styling products for your hair type needs, is easier when you understand what they are designed for. And most hair styling products on the market today list exactly what hair type they were designed for, but for best results and to save yourself some moolah by buying product that just doesn't work for you, I HIGHLY recommend discussing which products to use with your stylist, he/she will steer you in the right direction and most salons offered 100% money back guarantee, so if you take something home and just can't get it to work for you, they will replace it with something that will. Win Win!

The different hair types are: fine, coarse, normal...AND the denseness can be thick, thin or average. Your stylist will help you determine which combination you have. You'll also have to factor in if you have virgin hair (hair that has not been color-treated or had any chemical processes used on it).

Here are just a few tips for what to look for...

If you have fine hair, you are going to want shampoos, conditioners and styling products that add volume and fullness.

If you have coarse hair, you are going to want products that add moisture and help smooth the hair shaft. Even if you have curly hair and want to keep the curls, you'll still need to smooth the hair shaft to avoid frizziness (smoothing products with silicone work great on this hair type)

If you have normal hair, you can use just about any combination of products depending on the style results you are looking for.

If you have color-treated hair you DEFINITELY need to be using products specifically for color-treated hair as the coloring process dries the hair shaft out,...if you want your color to last AND you want healthy looking hair, you must use a deep conditioner at least once a week, preferably twice, in addition to shampoo and conditioner developed especially for color-treated hair. (please forgive me if I'm repeating myself) It is EXTREMELY important to get moisture back into the hair shaft and keep it smoothed down.

There are way, way, way too many styling products on the market today, so I'm just going to talk about the specific ones that I use on myself, if you have questions about your hair type, I'd be happy to answer what I can with the information you give me, just email me at mybluepeacock3333@hotmail.com , but you're best help would be the person who cuts and/or colors your hair as they're the ones that get up close and personal and with their fingers in your hair.

Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17

I mostly use Pureology Shampoos and Conditioners as I stated in yesterday's post, switching off once a week with Kenra's shampoo and condioner for fine hair, although I have a lot of hair, it is fine which makes it appear thin so I have to use products that help "plump" it up.

After towel drying (don't rub your wet hair harshly, just squeeze with your towel), I will usually apply either Kenra's Mousse or Styling Creme 10 both of which I mix with just a dab of Kenra's Silkening Gloss. The reason I add the gloss is to tame and smooth the ends, you can also use it on your skin to revitalize it.

I then apply Pureology's RootLifter directly to the roots of my wet hair in the crown area. I blow dry my hair using the medium heat setting (if you use the hottest setting you risk damaging your hair, not the end result I want) and my fingers, going in all four directions (think north, south,east and west) on every area of my head. When almost dry, I then use either a round brush or a flat, wide brush to help style. (using a brush before hair is almost dry is just wasted effort) When I feel it's dry, to add volume I hold my head upside down and use the cool setting on my dryer for just a minute.

I use hot rollers when I want tons of volume and curl, a straightening iron for when I want a more casual look, and sometimes just a couple of velcro rollers in the crown area for just a bit of extra volume.

To finish it, I'll use Kenra's Platinum Texturizing Taffy and Volume Hair Spray 25
I use the Taffy with my fingertips and just smooth it over the ends (kind of picking at the ends), I love that it doesn't get stiff, ...then finish it off with the hairspray.

So, here's my unsolicited advice...

Get with a good stylist (if you don't already have one), and have him/her help you figure out what hair type you have and what styling results you are going for.

Decide what hair products you want to use and follow the directions and your stylists advice (they will gladly teach you how to use your styling products).

Get your hair trimmed (at least 1/8" every 6 weeks if you are trying to let it grow, 1/2" every 4 weeks if you want to maintain your current style)

If you cover your gray...Ladies! paleeeeeeze keep those roots covered...(just my opinion, but roots that show are just sooooooooooo tacky)

I had planned to split this post up into 2 segments, but I got a little carried away and probably a little too wordy, and once I got started it was very hard to stop (in case you haven't noticed, I'm just a wee bit passionate about skin and hair care, BECAUSE "when you look good, you feel good").....so I think for the next post, I'll let you know about a few of my fav new skin care products I've just recently come across.

My hope is that some of this information is helpful to you, if not, I hope that it at least entertained you!!!!

My hope is that we all start taking care of ourselves first, so that we can then do a great job of taking care of everyone else!

Week of Beauty -- Hair Care --Part 4

Note: I am not affiliated in any way with Kenra Hair Care Products or Purelolgy Hair Care Products, nor is this a paid advertisement.

Today's post is about hair care and the products that I personally found to be the best for achieving the results I needed as a hair care colorist and stylist for over 20 years. When I first opened my own salon fourteen years ago, the hair care line of products I started out with was Graham Webb, I was determined to only offer the highest quality products that produced superior results and Graham Webb certainly fit the bill. Over the years, I tried every old and new product available, just to see if there was something better, and what I found was Pureology. Loved it..........

But at first, I was worried about the higher prices being off-putting to my customers, until I realized that, yeah, you might pay a bit more at first, but as their products are not made with "water", making them ultra-concentrated, you end up using a fraction of what you use with cheaper brands, so the result is the products go so much further, you really aren't spending much more than you were before. (ex: if you normally use a Quarter-sized dollop of shampoo in your palm to wash your hair, you would use a Dime-sized dollop with Pureology)

Pureology Super Smooth System

Here are a few facts about Pureology...

COMPREHENSIVE COLOUR CARE SYSTEMS FOR ALL TYPES OF HAIR
ANTIFADE COMPLEX®
Free radicals are highly unstable molecules that attack hair follicles and colour pigments, compromising hair health and colour vibrancy. Pureology’s exclusive AntiFadeComplex® contains a blend of potent antioxidants and full spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreens to protect colour from free radicals.

ZERO SULFATE® SHAMPOOS
Surfactants are an essential part of a shampoo’s cleansing system, but common surfactants, known as sulfates, can fade colour vibrancy. To gently cleanse without stripping colour, our ZeroSulfate® shampoos include a mild cleansing system, with no added salt, derived from coconut, corn, and sugar to deliver a rich lather and help optimize colour retention.

NATURE-INFUSED FORMULAS
FOR PURE PERFORMANCE
100% VEGAN INGREDIENTS
Pureology combines the best of nature with advanced technology to ensure pure performance and radiant colour, and our products are made without animal products or by-products.

ORGANIC BOTANICALS
We are committed to developing naturally-based formulas infused with organic botanicals harvested from plants grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or chemicals.

CONCENTRATED FORMULAS
FOR PURE INDULGENCE
Indulge in the ultimate multi-sensory experience with highly concentrated formulas bursting with superior ingredients that deliver up to 80 shampoos—two times more than other shampoos. Our rich lathers, featherlight textures, and decadent masques surround the senses with aromatic essences, creating a luxurious experience and incredible results. Colour-treated hair is silky soft with dramatically improved condition and remarkable shine.

CREATED WITH INTEGRITY
From the beginning, Pureology’s philosophy has been uncompromising. Our superior colour care is created with integrity to preserve the future well-being of our environment while still providing 100% guaranteed product performance. Pureology is against animal cruelty and proud to use post-consumer recycled and recyclable packaging

Pureology Pure Volume System


It's only my opinion, but I've personally used Pureology on my clients AND myself with the exact result I wanted. Let me tell you the circumstance that orginally got me to try Pureology for the first time...

Salon Testimonial

I had an on-off client, she colored and lightened her own hair and just came to me for nails and hair cuts...she came to me one day with her hair literally "fried"...she had colored and highlighted, then gone to Florida, and into a chlorine pool...DISASTER!!!! She was practically in tears. Her hair had just a tad of a green cast AND about 6 inches that looked and felt like "cotton candy" (very gummy and stringy). She had hair that was normally very dry, SUPER curly, corkscrew curls, and we were going to have to cut at least 6-8 inches of it off just to get rid of the worst of the damage. In the hair care world, once hair is damaged, it has to be cut off, there is no "repairing" it no matter what products on the consumer market advertise.

Well, needless to say, she begged me to help her find some way to save what we could...I told her to give me a few days and I'd call her with whatever I found. Enter...Pureology

I had already been reading about it, so I checked into it some more and I decided to try Essential Repair Instant Repair Treatment and Nano Works Luxury System . I gave them to her with complete instructions and for her to come back in a week and we'd see what we had to work with.

She came back....in 3 DAYS! Walking on air and sporting a beamer of a smile! "LOOK at this"...I gotta tell ya, I would have sworn to anyone that asked, we would be cutting off 6 inches of her hair at the end of her trial...but the Pureology products had REPAIRED, yes REPAIRED almost ALL of the damage, we ended up cutting off 1 inch!!!!!! Their products became my shops featured line the very next day, and flew off the shelves after that.

Whether you have thin, coarse, color-treated, damaged, or even healthy hair, they have products that will work STUPENDOUSLY for your specific needs. I really just can't say enough good about them.

I find that hair gets "tired" of using the same brand ALL the time, so my favorite switch off brand is Kenra Hair Care Products. I will use my Pureology all week, and then switch to Kenra for a couple of days, then switch back. I am, with hair care products the same as I am with skin care products...always trying out whatever is new on the market, cause you just never know when something better might come along...but for the past 10 years, both of these hair care lines are my go to's.

Kenra Color Maintenance Shampoo

Tomorrow I plan to go more into the different hair types and the specific needs for those types, and I hope to finish up my "Week of Beauty" series on Monday with Hair Care Styling Products.

If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask here in the comments section or email me at mybluepeacock3333@hotmail.com and if you've found a great hair care product or have your own testimonial, I'd love to hear about it.

Week of Beauty -- Color -- Part 3

Note: I am not affiliated in any way with Mary Kay Cosmetics, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics or Maybelline, nor is this a paid advertisement.

In previous posts, Part 1 we discussed the importance of proper skin care and Part 2 the list of tools you will need for make-up application. Today I'm going to talk just a little about color. I'm not going to go into different looks and how to apply them, as I stated yesterday, you really need to get with a representive of one of the make-up companies of your choice, schedule a make-over (they are usually free) and they can help you out when choosing your look and what colors look best on you.

I just want to give you a list of possiblities and highlight items that I personally use and like. To start with, foundation...I have almost always used Mary Kay foundations because I can try them, and if the color is wrong, I can exchange it for one that does. Keep in mind that your color will probably change during the seasons, I tend to use one color for summer and another color for the rest of the year. The range of options for what type of foundations can be a little overwhelming (another reason it's good to go to someone who can steer you in the right direction)...there are moisturizers with added color if you like a really natural look, medium-coverage foundations, full-coverage foundations, powder foundations and sheer foundations. Different brands also make them for either dry/normal skin and normal/oily skin types (this is a huge help).

Mary Kay Luminous Wear Foundation

If you choose to wear eyeshadows, your choices are almost unlimited. Most companies offer a huge range of colors and even sets that go well together, taking a lot of the guess work out it for you. What I can tell you about color is that the most important part about choosing them, is first determining whether you are a "cool" or a "warm", meaning do cool colors look best on you or warm? If you've never had a make-over, look to your wardrobe, do you tend to gravitate more towards the pink family, or the yellow/orange? If you wear a lot of black, tan, navy...these are considered neutral, which means no matter what you choose to wear on your face, you're not going to clash. You could of course choose to go neutral in your selection of eye colors, white, taupe, grey, charcoal, navy...these are all neutrals and go well with just about everyone.

When choosing your eye colors, you'll want to probably plan on a very light base color (apply all over the eyelid), a contour color (usually in the crease, extending from the outside corner, up towards the inside of your eyebrow), and an accent color (usually a darker or brighter color that will go along your lashline and /or the outside corner of your lid.) And here I said I wasn't going to get into teaching application, it's just so hard to do in writing, much, much easier in person!

Mary Kay Minerals Eye Colors

Cheek colors "blush" are great for helping to accentuate your cheek bones or just to add a bit of color to the apples of your cheeks. There are actually many different ways to apply blush, get with someone who knows and you'll really learn a lot.

Bobbi Brown Blush


You're last step should always be adding mascara, if you choose to wear it, it really "opens" and "brightens" your eyes and finishes your look. Again, the nearly unlimited options can be daunting...waterproof, adding volume, lengthening.....it goes on and on. All I can tell is you is that I will personally try one and if I'm not jumping for joy, I'll still use it for 3 months then throw it away and try something new, till I find what I like...I'll use that until something new comes along and I'll give it a try, if I like it better than what was using, then I'll keep using it, if not, then back to my ole fav I go! (It's important to always throw away mascara 3 months after it's been opened as each time you put the wand back in the tube, you are introducing bacteria that will grow, possibly causing eye infections at some point)
Right now, my personal fav is Maybelline's Colossal Volum Express Mascara...for me it adds tons of volume and thickness (my lashes are definitely changing/thinning as I get older).



Maybelline Colossal Volum Express Mascara

There are many many many more products out there...concealers, powders, brow liners, eye liners, lip liners,.....just too much to get into here, so I really just high-lighted what I tend to use most days.

Whatever colors or look you choose, you really should just have fun with it, and remember...
your goal is to enhance your natual God-given beauty!!!

What products do you personally use and love?

Week of Beauty -- The Tools -- Part 2

Note: As stated in yesterday's post, this is not a paid advertisement nor am I affiliated with any of these companies.

In Monday's post, I explained the importance of proper skin care in it's relationship to good make-up application. I have a few more thoughts on that before moving on to today's topic of the tools you need for beautiful make-up application.

The application of make-up will enhance your God-given natural beauty...it will NOT cover up bad skin! (just in case you missed that message on Monday)...Being diligent with cleansing and moisturizing EVERY morning and evening, and exfoliating at least 2x a week EVERY week...will help you achieve and showcase your God-given natural beauty.

So now, on to today's subject....The tools you will need for beautiful make-up application, and yes, EVERYONE that chooses to apply make-up needs all these tools...they don't have to be the same brand or necessarily expensive, but you will need them to make this job easier and gets the results you are going to want.

First up are make-up sponges, I use inexpensive disposable ones that I buy at Wal-Mart, use them a few times, then throw them away. Mostly for applying your make-up foundation, I like to wet mine just a tad first, then smooth the foundation all over your face including your eyes, mouth, making sure to go a bit below your jawline. You may prefer using your fingers or a foundation brush for this step, but you'll still need the sponges to get a proper blending,especially at the hairline and under your jaw. Mary Kay Cosmetic Sponges

Make sure that the brushes you use are made of natural materials, such as sable, they clean up easily and will last you years if you take proper care of them. I wash mine weekly with a good mild shampoo, rinse well and lay flat to dry. Again, they don't have to be expensive, but keep in mind that you will definitely get your money's worth if you are willing to take care of them. The ones you will need vary depending on the look you are going for...if you don't like to wear a lot of make-up, you might just need a blush brush...but if you like to wear eyeshadow, liquid eyeliner, powdered brow liner, etc, you'll need a variety.

If using a gel or liquid eyeliner, you'll certainly need an eyeliner brush, but if you like a pencil, you won't...same goes for eyebrows and what you choose to use.

If you like wearing eye shadow, you'll need at least 3 brushes, whether you're going for a natural look or a full glam look. You'll want one for your base color, one for the crease and one for the outside corner accent color. I'm not going to go into eye looks and their application here, that's something better learned in person with someone teaching and showing you how to get the look you want. For those wanting a natural look, you still need to use 3 colors, hence the 3 different brushes. Blending is the key in any look you are going for, and to blend properly, you really need at least 3 colors!

A blush brush is a must no matter the look you are going for, everyone needs at least a touch of color on the apples of their cheeks, unless you spend a lot of time at the beach, in which case I would say (sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen). Not to take a detour from our subject, but I just realized I didn't mention sunscreen in Monday's post and it is sooooo important!!!!!! Make sure if you are not using a sunscreen daily that at least your daytime moisturizer has it.

Mary Kay Brush Collection

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Brushes


And finally, for touch ups, blending, and correcting, I make sure to keep q-tips in my make-up drawer. Great for smudging eyeliner, blending shadow, wiping away any shadow that falls below the eyes and for when mascara ends up where it's not supposed to.
And the last most important step in make-up application is...

WASH IT OFF -- EVERY NIGHT BEFORE YOU GO TO BED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then be sure to use a nighttime moisturizer specifically for your skin type.

A Week of Beauty -- Part 1

Note: I am not in any way affiliated with Mary Kay Products at this time, nor is this article a paid advertisement. It is my own personal opinion based on previous experience.

I thought it might be fun this week to talk about "Beauty", that is, the outside as opposed to the inside. You might ask "what qualifies" me? I've been involved in several different aspects of the Beauty business for the past 26 years, up until 3 years ago.

I started out as a hairstylist, colorist and nail technician and worked in a couple different local salons for a few years before starting my own. Over the years, I was trained in make-up artistry by a Bendel's representative...was the make-up artist for model's at several hair shows AND was a Mary Kay Cosmetics Consultant for 3 years. Having my own salon also afforded me the opportunity to offer my make-up application services to many, many bride's, bridesmaids, mother's of the bride's and girls going to the prom. Loved doing ALL those!

But I would have to say, my biggest teacher was my mother. She became a Mary Kay Consultant when I was around 13 years of age, the perfect time to teach a young girl about the importance of taking care of her skin. I would have to give Mom credit...teaching me to take care of my skin has to be in the top 10 of my all time most important lessons learned...Thanks MOM!!!!

One of the reasons taking care of your skin is sooooooo important, it is the surface you will apply your make-up to. If it is not properly prepared, there is not enough make-up in the world, nor high-priced brand that will make it look good. (Ever notice women with cake-y foundation or too much concealer giving them a yellow-ish look? They're probably trying to cover up what they never took proper care of in the first place).

Not taking care of your skin and properly preparing it for make-up would be similar to a painter, coming to paint your dining room walls, but doesn't take off the old wallpaper first. (ugh)

Like I said, Mom started me off right as a young teenager. As a Mary Kay Consultant, she taught me about the importance of starting my routine with the right cleanser for my skin type (which has always, always been dry), followed by the right moisturizer, and using a skin care mask to really clean things up 2x weekly.

Mary Kay's products have only improved over the years, trust me on this, I've tried nearly everything out there... every time something new comes on the market, yep, tried that. I'm not saying I don't come across good products, I do, but it'll work for a while, then I end up going back to my tried and true favs, which just happen to be Mary Kay Skin Care. They've changed, improved and added to their product line over the years, so I've gone from using the skincare for teenagers to now using their TOTALLY AWESOME TimeWise Miracle Set for it's incredible age-fighting results to help you maintain younger-looking skin. (I started using age-fighting products in my thirties and HIGHLY recommend it)

The Time Wise Miracle Set also has the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval!!!! HA, guess they know what they're talkin' about!

If you want your make-up to look good, you've got to have clean skin, well hydrated skin...the surface needs to be as smooth as you can get it, otherwise make-up will only highlight these problem areas. Do I use Mary Kay's make-up in addition to their skincare? You betcha! For the ease of application, staying ability, quality and the reasonable prices, I just don't believe it can be beat...although I do tend to try a lot of others out there, just to see if I can find something better.

If you want to try their products for yourself, you can order order online or you can find a consultant neat you. (I personally highly, HIGHLY recommend contacting a local consultant as she will work with you on finding the right products for your skin type AND give you a complete makeover FREE... you get to try before you buy AND they have a 100% money back guarantee, you can't lose by trying their products, so it's a WIN WIN situation all around).

If you have any questions, you are welcome to ask them in the "comments section" here, or email me at mybluepeaock3333@hotmail.com

Interview with BondGirlCreations26

I would like to introduce Nikki Bond of BondGirlCreations26

http://www.bondgirlcreations26.etsy.com/

I invited Nikki to be my very first blog interview (questions and answers below), to help her customers get to know her better, and to help my followers find another great etsy shop!

In her etsy shop, Nikki offers a wide selection of truly beautiful handmade greetings cards (she also takes special requests!)...She offers a superior quality product at a very reasonable price. I personally ordered my Thank You cards from her along with a few birthday cards, and was thrilled with her craftsmanship when they arrived. I will definitely be one of her many repeat customers.

1) what is life like at your house? (husband, pets, children)

My household can be somewhat chaotic at times....I have three children ages 13, 11 and 8 who keep me on my toes and right now I’m doing it alone while my husband serves over in Afghanistan. They are older now though, so respect my “me time'” while I’m in my craft room. I do enjoy quiet afternoons during the week days while my children are at school. That definitely helps me focus on my stamping. As for pets....I have 2 loveable Boston Terriers who love to keep me company in my craft room while I create.

2) what is your morning routine?

I usually wake at 6 a.m. and get my children off to school. Afterwards, I head to the gym, then it’s home to create. (and sometimes clean) I take the weekends off from the gym and find that the mornings are my most creative time of the day for me! Once I get going, sometimes I find it’s well after lunchtime before I come up for air!

3) what hobbies do you enjoy?

I love stamping and scrapbooking (although I don’t scrapbook nearly enough) but I also really enjoy reading and bird watching.

4) How did you become a designer?

I started out scrapbooking, about 11 years ago as a way to preserve my children's photographs. About 4 years later I progressed into stamping. I was literally dragged to a Stampin’ Up! workshop, thinking it was a huge waste of time, and ended up loving it! Embossing got me hooked and now I rarely create a card without some sort of embossing incorporated into it.

5) How did you become involved with Etsy?

I first started selling my cards, with a lot of persuasion from my husband, at a little consignment shop in Ft Benning GA. I was so surprised when they did so well. I had a hard time keeping them in stock sometimes! When we moved to Ft Campbell, KY I soon discovered that there was no such shop here so I decided to start up an Etsy shop and hope for the best! It’s been a slow start but business does seem to be picking up for me.

6) How does your creative process work...(where do you find inspiration)

I find inspiration from many different things. I absolutely love sketches (patterns to follow to make cards and scrapbook pages)....they really make a card go together quickly and I tend to use a lot of them. Thank goodness for all the fabulous blogs out there that always have some sort of sketch challenge going on. I also use designer paper as a starting point. Sometimes I find inspirations from pictures in magazines or even clothing patterns. I love it when someone has a special request, and describes what they want....I really can get creative with just an idea.

7) What one thing do you keep close to you at all times?

If I’m out and about, hands down that would be my cell phone. If I’m at my craft desk, then definitely my laptop, craft ink and embossing powder. Those are a must!

8) Since starting your Etsy store, what one thing are you most proud of?

Honestly....it would have to be my return customers. I love knowing that they were satisfied enough with their purchases that they are coming back for more!

9) What is one thing you would do differently (in your Etsy business)

I’m not sure if it’s is something I would do differently....but I’d love to take more special request! I love to build off of other’s ideas and create something truly unique to the individual.

10)Is there anything new you have an idea for or are currently working on that you are planning to add to your store in the future?

I have recently done a few scrapbooks that I was so happy to post but I’m also thinking of creating single 12x12 pages in the future. I would also love to create more 3-D projects with intentions of being great for gifts or party favors.

11) Mickey Mouse or Bugs Bunny? (why)

Hands down Bugs Bunny. I have such fond memories of watching Bugs Bunny growing up with my father. The cartoon always made him laugh and I love to hear my Dad laugh. Besides...who wouldn’t love a smart alecky bunny who always gets his way?!

12) Handmade vs Manufactured? (your thoughts)

This one is a tough one....I love handmade when it comes to cards, albums, blankets, gifts (especially from my children) ....but there are some manufactured items that make my life easier. For instance...embellishments, designer paper ect....

13) what is one piece of advice you would give to women who are fortunate not to have to work outside the home?

Confidence is a must...I’m still trying to sap into mine sometimes....and definitely try to limit your distractions! The computer can be a big distraction for me and a real time zapper! Overall though, just enjoy yourself. If you don’t love what your doing, then what is the point?

I do know that before I started selling my cards, I used to say (when people asked what I did)....most proudly, and trying to portray confidence...I’m a domestic engineer....LOL I always stressed how important it was for me to be home for the kids so they grow up to be responsible adults....and I do really feel that way. I also have the utmost respect for working Moms so I stress this is just my opinion and I’m so lucky that I was able to stay home.

Seriously, is she adorable or what?! Wouldn't you just love to be her friend!!!!

Be sure to browse around her shop (I promise you'll love it)

http://www.bondgirlcreations26.etsy.com/

and check out her blog as well (she's won tons of blogging awards)

http://www.militarywifestampinspot.blogspot.com/

Then, come on back here and let everyone know what you think of her cards!

New Things A Comin'

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67692553/romantic-chained-love-cowl-neckwarmer

This is my newest creation! I've made my own patterns in knitting and crochet, but usually pretty basic stitches. This was my first time just adding and changing as I went, so I was practically jumping up and down as I was finishing it....it turned waaaayyyyy better than I had imagined. I'm learning that the creative process works two ways for me...

1) like pushing a boulder uphill...the ideas don't flow very well, and every one that I come up with just does not work and I end up ripping out lots of started projects.

or

2) rolling down a mountain...the ideas bombard me continueously, coming one right after the other, and they won't leave me alone until I write them down or start a project with one.

As you can imagine, I prefer #2. The Romantic Cowl started as #1 that turned into #2, (for some reason these numbers have reminded to get rid of some of my morning dr. pepper)

About the cowl: It's made of a fluffy, super duper soft alpaca blend yarn, very chunky, in the softest pastel true pink...I started with rows of chains, then just started attaching them willy-nilly until I saw the design starting to form, then I just went with it. Just when I thought I was finished, I realized, it needed something else, so I started adding the fringe which is a combination of the same yarn and creamy white merino wool strands....still needs something...ah, a flower (I plan to do more flowers!)....okay, it's almost there, but still needs something....(snapping fingers) a BUTTON! I started digging through my grandmother's button tin that I had just recently borrowed from my mom, and wouldn't you know it, a PERFECT button. Creamy white, with touches of silver and a rhinestone in the center. The size was just PERFECT.

Oh, I'll definitely be making more, but as the pattern is in my head, no two will ever be the same, the ideas are already churning in my head, they are... light-weight in spring colors, with spring flowers attached or maybe a shawl instead...we'll see what comes.

Another thing I'm really excited about is the new series I'm planning to start soon...I'll be interviewing and spotlighting my absolute FAVORITE etsy sellers and their shops. The best things about buying handmade items are the high quality AND supporting our neighbors! So I thought it would help to get to know more about them.



http://www.etsy.com/shop/BondGirlCreations26

BondGirlCreations26 etsy shop

I ordered my shop Thank You cards from Nikki at BondGirlCreations26 and the quality is simply the best I've ever seen in greeting cards, not to mention, her prices are cheaper than what I would spend at Wal-Mart, so not only did I order the thank you's, I also purchased a few birthday cards for gifts. I loved everything and Nikki was the first person I approached about interviewing, I really think you are going to want to get to know her!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sageandmage
sage and mage etsy shop

After reading the feedback from sage and mage etsy shop, I contacted Gennifer (shop owner) about some problem spots I've developed with my skin this winter (periomenopause?) who knows, anywho, she is mixing up something specifically for what I'm dealing with and just from what I've read in her feedback, I really think I'm going to like it....I'll keep you posted.

Still not sure whether this will be a weekly posting or bi-weekly, or just when I find someone special to feature...we'll just have to see. One thing I do know, I will only feature artists that I PERSONALLY have purchased from or tried their items and have a deep appreciation for what they are creating!

Superbowl Ads

Ahhhh, the Superbowl! I will not profess to being a super football fan, but I am a fan none the less. I don't have a favorite team and haven't had since the Houston Oilers moved, changed their name, whatever, so I always tend to rout for the whoever happens to be the underdog at the time....

but what I really love about football season are Sunday afternoons, just the sound of it on the television makes me happy. I usually knit, crochet and yes, even nap to the sounds of the crowd and announcers (LOOOOVVVVE it) I say in a singsong voice.

And there is nothing I like better about football than a close game where both teams are really dukin' it out, back and forth, one is up, one is down, so the playoffs are definitely among my favorite things. Along with the anticipation of the Superbowl TV ads....what are they gonna think of this year to entertain us.

Anyone that knows me, knows how much I HATE television commercials, that's why we have a DVR, so I can tape whatever I plan to watch, and watch it later while zipping right through the commercials at super-duper high speed. I will not watch live TV, that's how much I hate them. For the most part I think they are just plain stupid and it never ceases to amaze me that people actually get paid to come up with that stuff!

This does not apply to the superbowl ads...why can't they make them like that the rest of the year?! I don't necessarily like all of them, but I do enjoy watching them and deciding which ones I like best. So here's a few of my favs...

the e*trade babies are always cute so I had to include a pic, but the commercial was just plain boring to me.

I really loved the chevy truck commercial in which the truck is "Lassie"

And I'm sorry, but I thought Joan Rivers was hysterical in the GoDaddy spot (why do I feel the need to apologize for that?)

All of the VW commercials had my attention but the top spot HAS to go the "tiny Darth Vader"...tooo cute!!! This one has my vote for the "BEST of SUPERBOWL 45"

Bridgestone Tires and the Beaver "pay it forward", great message right along with an entertaining ad

Was really entertained by the Chevy Camaro "Mom"

Go to this site to see all the commercials if you missed any

http://www.superbowl-commercials.org/

But I gotta tell ya, that I am a HUGE, MEGA, action movie fan, so I am REALLY looking forward to all the great movies advertised as coming out this year, so many that at least look to be great. The one I'm looking the most forward to has got to be Cowboys and Aliens featuring Harrison Ford....really LOVE Harrison Ford and have sooo been hoping to see him in more "Indiana Jones" type action movies...this one might not be "Indy", but it looks similar, so yeah, I can hardly wait!

If you missed any of the trailers, check out this site..

http://www.i4u.com/33579/nine-movie-super-bowl-ads-during-super-bowl-xliv

So are you a fan, did you watch this year, and what were your favs?

American Idol Review

I must admit that my hubby and I have been fans of American Idol since it's 3rd season, and I went from "extremely dislike" of Simon Cowell, to "really love him". What I realized was that I just didn't enjoy all the non-talented people that they showcased in the beginning auditions, I would rather have seen just the ones that showed possiblilty. And Simon Cowell WAS being honest, to the point of painful to some of them I'm sure, he was saying what a great majority were thinking, and over the years, there was definitely a "softening" to his comments and he became much more constructive in his critique's. I liked Paula Abdul, but was glad when she left, although her replacement, Cara was much worse. We LOVED Ellen last year and are sorry she's not on again (maybe she will be later, I don't follow Hollywood news so I couldn't say).

We were afraid with Simon leaving the show, we wouldn't like it anymore so we watched the first episode this week with very little expectation and a lot of trepidation. But, we really like it! I absolutely LOVE Jennifer Lopez AND Steven Tyler, he is such a hoot and both of them give great advice. So for us, we will be watching the rest of the season, and really are enjoying more of the "good" talent being showcased.

Miracle Make-up Product Review

L'OREAL Studio Secrets Face Primer

I just had to share my new favorite make-up product...it rated 4 out of 5 stars on the L'Oreal website www.lorealparisusa.com and I have to agree. L'oreal states..."Discover the secret to perfect skin texture....Get the perfect skin texture instantly and all day. The silky lightweight formula glides onto skin and and minimizes the look of pores and fine lines. Skin looks and feels smooth and resurfaced. The result--a unified matte finish that's flawless."

The PROS: It visibly makes my pores appear smaller and my lines ARE much much less noticeable. I apply it after my moisturizer, and it gives my skin a smooth, airbrushed look even when used under my foundation, stays on all day and controls oil while I'm wearing it. The only thing it doesn't do is correct color imperfections, so you will still need concealer for those problem areas. I loved it the minute I put it on.

The CONS: If you use too much, your skin will look powdery and it would be better if they would package it in a tube for easier application.

I've noticed the older my skin gets, the less face powders do their job...powder is NOT my friend anymore, they just seem to settle in my lines, but with the new Studio Secrets Face Primer, I get a smooth finish without the need for face powders to set my make-up.

My daughter tried it and had to stop at Wally world on the way home to pick up one for herself (guess she liked it too). And no, this is NOT a paid advertisement, I just like passing on my favorite things.