Happy Birthday to Me!

I suppose this is an extremely selfish post considering I'm posting about my own birthday. But whatever... It's been a week since I posted so what better a topic than me?!  Just kidding!

I turn 25 today! Weird... I'm not really ones of those people that freaks out about getting older. However, I did wake up this morning looking a little rough despite sleeping for 9 hours last night, and I immediately blamed it on being 25.

My mom gave me some money because I told her there were a few things I wanted, but wasn't sure what to get yet.  I'm thinking REALLY hard about ordering Sigma's Eyes Kit and Synthetic Kabuki Kit.  I've been wanting both for a long time!  But I also think maybe I should go to Sephora and get some anti-aging cream and eye cream or something.

I don't have any major plans.  Husband and I don't usually make too big of a deal out of birthdays.  Tonight we're going to eat pizza at our favorite pizza place, Rotolo's.  They sent me a coupon for a free pizza for my b-day.  Then we're going to the mall for me to pick out some black leather riding boots.  I would much rather pick out my own present that have someone choose one for me.  I'm picky about stuff.  Then I'm thinking we'll go pick up a king cake.  Since my birthday is right before Mardi Gras season I always get king cakes instead of birthday cakes.

Friday night my amazing friend, Victoria, just so happens to be throwing a Fun Party.  So I'm going to eat Mexican and have Margaritas with a few girlfriends after work then headed over there.  I'm so excited! I love Fun Parties.  They're always a blast!

Saturday is our nephew's 5th birthday party.  He was born yesterday, the day before me.  Then Sunday husband is taking me to eat brunch at a surprise location in the French Quarter.  Then we will spend the day together there.  This will probably be our last fun outing until April 15th, the dreaded tax day.  He'll be working crazy hours at work until then. 

I thought these two pictures were funny. Excuse the poor quality I took a picture of the picture with my iPhone.  The first one is my sister and I.  She dressed me up in Teddy Ruxpin's outfit.  The second was like my 3rd birthday I think.

Hope everyone has a great day!
XO-Heather

Recent Beauty Purchases

Instead of doing a 3TT post this week I wanted to share some recent beauty purchases with y'all.  These are things I've accumulated over the past couple of months.  All of these products are brand new to me. 

First up was my Christmas present to myself:

Rusk Speed Freak Hair Dryer
I ordered this online from Ulta.  It was on sale for $79, and 20% off of that.  The original cost was $119.95.  I love this hair dryer.  I've never owned a professional hair dryer before.  It makes a huge difference in the shine, bounce, and drying time.  I love this!  The only downside is that its a little heavy.  This was recommended by Kate at The Small Things Blog.

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I picked up the next two during a promotion at Walgreens.  Their L'Oreal products were B1G1 50% off, and I had two $1 off manufacturer coupons.  I think I paid  like $10 for both.

L'Oreal Brow Fantasy in dark blonde
This is a great product and very easy to apply.  

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 L'Oreal Extra Intense Liquid Pencil Eyeliner in Carbon Black
This is an AMAZING true black eyeliner.  It is great for the waterline, very long-lasting, and smooth to apply.  Makeup Guru, Tiffany, often raves about this so I had to try it out. 

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Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser Treatment in Brightener
Veronika over at Veronika's Blushing LOVES this stuff!!!  I had to try it out.  I have some pretty dark circles under my eyes no matter how much I sleep.  I apply my normal Benefit Bo-ing concealer first, then my Pur Minerals Foundation like normal, then I dab a little of this under my eyes last.  It really gives a beautiful brightening effect.  I think it makes a huge difference!!!


 I am also working on tracking my results with the L'Oreal Lash Boosting Serum.  I've only been using it for a week now, but I took before pictures to compare.  I will give an update when its been 4 weeks.  Here is the product's claim:
"Now, the lashes of your dreams are no longer an illusion! Thanks to our new Concentrated Lash Boosting Serum get visibly fuller, thicker natural lashes with less lash fall-out when removing makeup. The breakthrough formula contains Centella Asiatica Extract and Arginine to reinforce, condition, and protect each lash. Apply daily under your mascara and at night to bare lashes to transform your natural lashes, and see more lashes in just 4 weeks! For boosted results, use the serum together with Double Extend Lash Boosting Mascara."

Anyone have any new beauty finds lately?! 

XO-Heather

Mixed Up Monday: Recent Purchases

Happy Halloween!  I'm lazy and boring and didn't do anything for Halloween nor am I dressing up.  Husband has too much studying to do to break away.  And I just hate to spend money on a costume, and I'm too lazy to make one.

Saturday I had a facial from my best friend.  She's an Esthetician, and owns a spa in our hometown.  My skin has been looking so dull lately no matter how many times I exfoliate.  Plus, it has been a year since I had one.  

Then afterward I tagged along with a friend while she shopped and we ate sushi for lunch.  We spent 6 hours shopping!  It was so fun though.  By the time I came home at 7 that night I was exhausted.

I did pick up a few things on Saturday.  I really wanted to take advantage of the 20% off coupon from Ulta since there were no exclusions.  There were some things I knew I would buy eventually.  So why not stock up when you can get it on sale?  I also went to Loft because they were having a 40% off everything sale.

So here's what I picked up:

LOFT: 40% OFF ENTIRE STORE

Loft skinny patent belt

Loft Boatneck Cable Poncho

Loft Striped Long Sleeve Scoop Neck Tee

ULTA: USED 20% OFF ENTIRE ORDER COUPON
A lot of these items were things I wouldn't normally buy all at once being the frugal person that I am.  But they were all things I've had on my wish list for a long time.  And since the Ulta coupon was a one-time thing, and you can normally not use their coupons on any of this stuff... I figured this was the best time to buy everything- while I can get it cheaper.  I can either buy things later when I need them or buy things before I need them at a discount.  I follow the same rule for my groceries and household products... "Buy at the lowest price possible if you are going to use it."

 

Philosophy Microdelivery & Philosophy Great Skin Is In Kit

I've been needing and wanting a new skin care set lately.  Normally I use a drugstore brand, usually Olay because I always have coupons.  But some of the drugstore brands can be pretty pricey when you add up an entire line of products.  Since I really needed everything I figured I'd give this kit a try, and I added in the microdermabrasion cleanser also .  I wouldn't have normally bought it or paid full price for it.  I really just tried it because of the coupon.  But I've been using it since Saturday night and I love it.  But I also just had a facial so we'll see how long that lasts. 
 

Benefit High Beam

I've been dying to try this for a while.  I tried ELF's version, the shimmering facial whip in lilac petal.  But I really didn't care for the consistency of it.  It was EXTREMELY runny.  I made a mess every time I used it.  Since ELF's is only $1 I bought 2 different bottles of it.  Because I thought maybe the first one I bought was old.  But they both did it.  I think that's the first ELF product I didn't really like!
 

Benefit They're Real Mascara

This stuff is AH-Mazing!  I've been on a crazy mascara kick lately.  My sister actually bought this stuff and I tried it.  I had to have it.  I was going to wait until I ran out of ELF Mineral Infused Mascara to buy some more.  But I figured I could either buy it in a month or two or buy it now for 20% less. 
 

Naked Palette

I already have one of these and I'm completely obsessed.  But I picked this one up for my mom.  She tried mine a few weeks ago and fell in love.  Is there anyone out there that doesn't like this thing?!

KOHL'S

I've been dying for some skinny black pants that I can wear to work.  I have black jeans, but I can't wear jeans.  And I'm funny about leggings so I won't wear leggings to work.  I found these at Kohl's.  They are the material of sleeping pants.  But they aren't too tight and have pockets in the back.  So they look like regular pants.  They are great quality.  These were originally $48.  But the Daisy Fuentes brand was 40% off and I had a 15% off coupon I printed.  So I think I paid about $26 with tax.

Daisy Fuentes Skinny Ponte Pants

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Anyone else do any shopping this weekend? 

XO-Heather

Mixed Up Monday: Recent Beauty Purchases

I thought it would be nice to share with you guys my opinion on some new beauty products I've recently purchased.

1.  E.L.F. Studio Bronzer in Golden $3

I picked this up at Target one day.  I usually use the Bare Minerals Warmth, but it's just so dark and messy.  I really like this bronzer.  It has great build-able color.  It's not orange at all.  It does have a good bit of shimmer to it though.  I like to apply it all over my face, neck, and chest after i put on my foundation.  It gives a nice sun kissed glow!  It is a great product I would recommend, and an absolute steal! 

2.  E.L.F. Studio Cream Eyeliner in Midnight $3

Another great find!!  I picked this up after The Bargain Blonde sang it's praises!  I got the midnight, and it is a great blueish black color.  But it's not harsh looking, and that's what I like about it.  I think it works great for daytime and work when I don't want to wear a dark black eyeliner.  The little brush it comes with actually works great too!  It goes on super smooth, and it's really easy to apply.  It last all day!  I use this to line my upper lash line.  The small brush makes it easy to get real close to the lashes.  I definitely want to get some more colors.


4.  Ulta Automatic Eyeliner $3

This was another recommendation from the Bargain Blonde.  I got the deep brown and a purple color that I can't remember the name of.  They glide on really smooth and last all day.  But it's also easy to remove with eye makeup remover.  I really like this eyeliner.  I use this when I'm in a hurry, and I don't have time to mess with a liquid or cream. 

3. Benefit Eye Bright $20

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I picked this up from Sephora over the weekend after reading about it on a few blogs.  This is the first eye brightener I've ever tried.  I used to use a lot of Benefit's products, but once I put myself on a budget I started to buy cheaper products.  Their stuff isn't expensive, but it's also not really cheap!   Their products have the cutest names and packaging.  I put this on my inner and outer corners and under my brown bone after I finish the rest of my eye makeup.  It REALLY makes a difference!  It's a light pink color, and it does exactly what it says it will do- brighten your eyes!  It's easy to apply and blend.  I also highly recommend this.   
I have dark circles under my eyes naturally, and I often look tired and washed out.  It doesn't matter how much sleep I get or water I drink, I still have them too!  (BTW, I use Excuviance CoverBlend concealer $22 from Ulta and it works WONDERS. I've had it for over a year and have barely made a dent in the tube b/c you don't need much.) 

So anyone else find any great new beauty products lately?  Would you all be interested in a post or video about my daily makeup routine and daily products I use? 

*I purchased all of these products on my own.  These are my honest opinions. 

XO-Heather

Three Things Thursday- The Beauty Edition

This week I've got some of my fave beauty products for you!

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 1.  BirchBox-
For $10 auto-drafted out of your account each month you receive 5 deluxe beauty samples!  Sometimes I even get full size products too!  You can take surveys of the products to receive points to purchase the full-size version.  If you buy during that month you received it you get free shipping too.  All of the products come adorably wrapped in pink tissue paper with a cute note that tells you about each product.  I've gotten some really great products that I would've never been able to try before.  Each month I'm so excited to get into my box and use everything that I keep forgetting to snap a picture for you guys!  You can sign up here.  You can also cancel it at any time.

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2.  Urban Decay Naked Palette
$48- This is normally more than I spend on makeup.  I am a major bargain shopper.  But about 6 months ago I found myself frustrated with all of the eyeshadows I had gotten for free at CVS and Walgreens, and I had some B-day money to spend.  <I do have one set of MAC shadows, but they are really high pigmented pinks and purples -NOT PRACTICAL  FOR EVERYDAY USE>  So I called a friend who used to work at Ulta to ask her recommendation for a good neutral palette.  I wanted something that I could take everywhere with me instead of several singles.  She quickly suggested this.  So I figured I would give it a try.  It also came with a small bottle of their famous eye primer and a brush.  I cannot begin to tell you how great this palette is, especially used with a primer.  I've always been pretty conservative with my eye makeup, but I've started to play around with all the great colors in this.  You get such a wide variety of colors, from pigmented to matte to light pink to gunmetal black!  Go take a look at Ulta's website and zoom in on the palette to see.  Since buying this in January I have used it daily and haven't made a dent in any of them.  I've also thrown away all of my other eyeshadows, because there are so many looks to create with this.

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 3.  E.L.F. Comestics (Eyes, Lips, Face)
 I have been using E.L.F. products for about 3 years.  I think I first read about the company in a magazine.  Back then everything was $1 except for their makeup bags.  I used to buy stuff online all the time.  But then I started seeing some products in Big Lots, and eventually they ended up in Target too!  Which of course is the best place ever!  Now they have expanded their product selection to mineral makeup and their studio line.  Their studio brushes are AMAZING, especially for $3.  They sell most of them in Target.  Don't get me wrong, not all of the products are wonderful.  But I really like their studio blushes, waterproof eyeliner, and studio brushes.  I also hear their face primer and mineral lipstick is pretty good.  The basic essential products sell for $1.  Their mineral products sell for $3-$5.  And their studio products are mostly $3.  You seriously cannot beat that! 

What are you loving this week?!
XO-Heather

Frugal Friday- Multi-tasking Products

Instead of doing a frugal Friday about coupons or grocery shopping I am going to tell y'all about some items that have several different uses.  This is a great way to stretch your dollar since most of these products are cheaper than the real version and can be used for multiple things.

• Monistat Anti-Chaffing Gel
• This is a great makeup primer.  It usually costs $5-$7 at Wal-Mart, Target, and drugstores.  (They occasionally put out coupons on coupons.com too.)  I can't even remember where I first read about using this as a primer.  But I figured "What the hell!  I'll try it for $7."  If you look at the ingredient list and compare it to a makeup primer, the ingredients are almost identical.  I have been using the same $7 tube for around 6 months now.  I still have half  left.  I have very sensitive skin, and I have never had an issue with this.  I also use it on my eyelids as a eyeshadow primer.  I put a small dime-size amount all over my face after my moisturizer dries.  It makes my mineral makeup go on so smoothly and last all day! 
• Vaseline
• I bought a travel-size jar of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly several years ago for $1 at Wal-Mart.  I still haven't made a huge dent in the little jar.  This has a ton of uses- be creative!
• Use it as a chapstick
• Use it as a cuticle cream or a deep moisturizer for hands and feet at night
• I often use it as eye makeup remover.  I wash my face first.  Then if there's a little left under my eyes I dab a little bit with my finger and wipe away with a cotton ball.  Or if I smudge my eyeliner or mascara while getting ready I put a little on a Q-Tip and even out the line.
• Hair Conditioner
• use it as shaving cream
• Toothpaste- any white and non-gel
• use it as a silver polish with a toothbrush or rag
• get crayons off walls
• overnight zit cream
• bug bite or bee sting ointment
• Baby Powder
• Great alternative to dry shampoo.  I've used baby powder in my hair for years when it gets a little greasy.  You can buy it for $1 at the Dollar Store instead of a more expensive dry shampoo.  
• Baking Soda
• Add a teaspoon to your shampoo bottle to help remove buildup
• Great to sprinkle on top of your toothpaste to help whiten your teeth

Do you have any non-traditional uses for products?  I would love to know!
XO-Heather

Three Things Thursday

Here are a few things I am loving this week:

1.  Katy Perry
Tonight three friends and I are going to see Katy Perry in New Orleans.  I'm so excited!  We're going to go get something to eat and hang out before the concert starts.  The bad part is I have to be at work at 8 in the morning.  I know I will get home pretty late.

2.  Suave Professionals
Has anyone else used the Suave professionals line?  I bought the dry shampoo and the extra hold hairspray.  They both smell so good!  It works really well too.  I think both totaled $5 this week at Walgreens.  I had a coupon I printed from their website for $1/2.

3.  Revlon Matte Lipstick in Really Red (006)
I read about this lipstick in September's issue of Lucky.  It said it was the best matte red lipstick for fair to medium tones.  I went on a hunt for this lipstick for 2 days!  I went to CVS- couldn't find it.  I went to Ulta- nope!  I went to 2 different Targets- not there.  Finally, I tried Walmart.  Turns out it was mixed in with the super lustrous lipstick.  There were 2 left, and on roll back for $4.97.  So it was probably at all those other places I just didn't know where to look.  I tried it last night, and it was worth the hunt.  It lasted a long time too!  I only recently started wearing lipstick.  Now I feel  naked without it. 

Well I'm off to finish up a few things before leaving work early for the concert today!
XO-Heather

Three Things Thursday

1. Spotify- I am obsessed! Does anyone else use it?  I didn't sign up for a paid subscription.  I just requested an invite.  I have it downloaded at work and at home.  I love that I can type in a song or artist and listen to it instantly.  It definitely helps the workday go by faster.

2.  Rotolo's Pizzeria- The first one opened in Baton Rouge near LSU 15 years ago.  They have several in LA, one in AZ, and one in AL.  Husband eats at one in BR a lot, and I've eaten there a handful of times.  They just opened one a mile from my house.  We have nothing to do in our little town... nothing!  So this is exciting news!  They have a bar with great drink specials, and AMAZING specialty pizzas and calzones.  The buffalo chicken calzone is my fave!  So I'm excited to have a new hangout right by our house. This could be bad for my waistline.

3. Covergirl Natureluxe gloss balm- i love these!  They're around $7.49 at drugstores.  But I had a $5 off 2 coupon from the 6-5-11 Proctor and Gamble insert.  So they were only $4.99 a piece when I bought 2.    They have an SPF of 15.  They're perfect for summer: very moisturizing and not sticky at all.  I have the Hibiscus 215 and the Anemone 225.  The anemone is my favorite.  It's a bright red.  But they both go on a little sheer.
Happy Thursday everyone
XO- Heather