New Beauty Test Tube

www.QVC.com

As you can probably guess from my last post I love beauty subscriptions.  I also have a sick habit of having QVC and HSN playing in the background of my house.  QVC was talking about a beauty deal and you know my ears perked!  I'm going to be 100% honest with you guys.  This blows the April MyGlam and Birchbox out of the water.  It isn't monthly or as cheap, but it dominates.  The size of each product is substantial.  This series of seven New Beauty Test Tube's runs till October 2013 at about $29 a pop. Every tube includes New Beauty magazine which sells for almost ten bucks.  Get ready to see what you get for this steal of a deal!

StriVectin-SD has been a product I have been dying to try, but too afraid to shell out the dough in case it doesn't work.  It's time for an honest mom/woman moment.  My stomach got wrecked from pregnancy.  My stomach is my biggest insecurity.  It literally looks like I survived a tiger attack.  My stretch marks are really bad.  I don't see myself ever being able to wear a bikini ever again.  I would be lying if I said I don't cry about it.  Then, I look at my perfect son and realize it is so stupid to be upset about it.  He is healthy, happy, and I am so blessed to have him in my life.  If this helps greatly reduce my stretch marks I would be beyond ecstatic.  Supposedly this formula packs four times as much collagen-producing peptides as the original.  I can not wait to give this a go!

If you haven't heard of St. Tropez Gradual Tanner you may have been living under a rock.  It is a favorite of celebrities and beauty editors.  You apply the tanner daily to gradually build up to a healthy bronze color.  I always recommend exfoliating before using any self-tanning products.  Since this builds your tan over time don't worry about going over a spot twice or not enough.  It won't be too noticeable if it happens once. 

Tate LipSurgence Lip Luster delivers healthier lips with their vitamin and antioxidant rich formula.  Lips will beautifully colored while still staying soft and hydrated.  The natural peppermint in lip luster gives a refreshing burst of flavor with ever application.  One of my favorite things about this product is it layers beautifully.  It can be as sheer as you want, or if you want a punch of color you can always layer more for a deeper shade.  They have a nice gloss to them so I personally wouldn't add a gloss over it.

I received Wen Cleaning Conditioner in a previous MyGlam bag but it was only 2 ounces in a tube.  QVC's test tube gives you a 6 oz. bottle with a pump to get the perfect amount every time.  Wen takes a little to get use to since it doesn't lather, a.k.a. make bubbles, but that's a good thing.  There are no sulfates to strip your hair or color from the nutrients it needs.  Wen replaces shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner.  I love this product and it smells delish!

Peter Thomas Roth Laser-Free Moisturizing Gel-Cream is a powerful, deeply nourishing, high-tech pink gel cream that dramatically helps to improve the appearance of your skin's texture.  It richly hydrates and helps to replenish moisture and essential nutrients to your skin.  Infused with dragon's blood, a red resin drawn from the Amazon's Croton Lechleri tree, it refreshes prematurely aged skin and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  I'm all about keeping my skin looking great!

I've been interested in trying Bliss Fabulous Face Wash.  I'm a loyal Philosophy Purity user who has been afraid to stray.  Unlike Purity, this product can not be used around your eyes because it gently exfoliates and cleans your skin at the same time.  It is appropriate for all skin types, and has a subtle fruity-floral scent.  It's gonna take a lot for me to leave my Purity but I'll give it a try!

Amazing Grace Shampoo, Bath and Shower Gel by Philosophy has a serious cult following.  People are loyal to this product and brand.  This 3-in-1 formula builds into a creamy, moisturizing lather that can be used from head to toe.  This lightly scented formula is milk-based to soften skin and hair while still leaving your skin silky with a feminine scent. 

The last product is one I have been itching to try.  As with all Mally products, the Evercolor Shadow Stick in Twilight claims to be bulletproof.  The product stays on until you want to take it off.  I swabbed some on my hand and rubbed vigorously.  Guess what happened?  No smudges.  It stayed perfectly in place!  I love how easily it glides on without migrating or wearing off.  You can blend or smooth the product for the first 30 seconds after you apply.  After that it will stay perfectly in place.  The stick is so easy to use as an eyeliner, shadow, or layered for a smoky look.  I think I may have found my new go-to for a 5 minutes face.



I adore all the products in here and you will too!  If for any reason you don't like whatever is in your Test Tube, send it to back to QVC within 30 days and you will get your money back!  Risk-free and beautiful?  Love it!

April MyGlam vs. Birchbox

As some of my readers know I subscribe to a $10/month MyGlam beauty bag.  Afterwords, I learned of a similar company, Birchbox.  I decided over the next few months I will compare the two and see which one I decide to keep my subscription with.  Hopefully it will help you guys decide too.


MyGlam
 

  

 Every month's glam bag has a theme.  This month it is "Girls' Night Out."  I was so excited to find Urban Decay's 24/7 Eye Pencil in Perversion, the blackest black they offer.  UD eyeliners are known for their staying power and you can never go wrong with black.  I was secretly hoping I'd get a purple, blue, or some vibrant color, but this Glam Hungry Mom isn't complaining. 

An all over eyeshadow brush and eyeliner brush were in this bag at a perfect time.  I needed a new eyeliner brush badly.  I've been using mine to fill in my eyebrows.  I needed one meant for my eyes.  What a concept, eh?  

I don't know if it's just me but I have major issues with dry lips.  DermStore Lip Quench is a lip treatment infused with nourshing oils meant to soften and smooth lips.  They also claim to give lips a fuller appearance.  I haven't noticed bigger lips and they don't give the tingly feeling most lip plumping products give.  It's not a bad thing, I just don't see the difference.  It goes on thick and I can definitely tell it quenches my lip's thirst.  

A fun way to instantly up the flirt in your look are fake lashes.  All-Belle Eyelashes are meant to give you that boost.  I've never tried lashes in this shape before but I can tell my lashes will look much thicker than they are.   I just worry I'll look too much like a Harajuku wannabe.  Before you think that comment is racist you should know I am Japanese.  Yes I am mixed but I was raised in a Japanese household.  I find Harajuku style inspiring, but the makeup look isn't for me.

Birchbox

The theme for this month's Birchbox is "Natural Wonders".  The minute I opened my box I instantly inhaled the scent of clean.  Nothing overwhelming, but just wonderfully natural.  

One of my favorite items has to be my Zoya Nail Polish in "Bevin".  It's a beautiful muted greyish-blue.  The non-toxic formula is a wonderful shade for spring.  They even claim it lasts 50% more than traditional polishes.  As a working mother, my nail polish takes a beating and so do my hands.  Which leads me to the next product. 

 J.R. Watkints Hand and Cuticle Salve.  My hands are always dry.  When I'm not cooking, cleaning, or working, I'm changing diapers and giving baths.  I'm always washing my hands.  This creamy balm is full of natural moisturizers to keep hands and cuticles super soft.  It also smells like lavender.  Love!  My only complaint about this product is how little I get.  I know it will last me for a bit but I want more!  

My life can be pretty hectic and somedays I just don't want to take out my contacts or wash my face.  I know it's a beauty sin but I am only human.  Willa Gentle Cleansing Lavender Facial Towelettes are perfect to keep next to my bed or pop in my gym bag to take off my makeup before a sweaty workout.  The lavender scent is great before bed because of its natural calming benefits.  

The one product I was greatly disappointed to receive was the sample of Wonderstruck Taylor Swift.  I'm like every other girl that loves to belt out to her songs in my car.  I just don't want to receive an item that I could get for free at a department store.  My husband who hates most perfumes actually really liked it.  I'm not sure what it has to do with the theme of this month's Birchbox.  It smells good.  I just can't see this in my collection.  

The lifestyle extra for this box were two Dropps Laundry Detergent tablets.  They are eco-friendly, single-use packs perfect for a busy gal.  I usually use Kirkland Signature's eco-friendly lavender detergent but I'm all for giving these a try.  I just hope I don't accidentally put these in the dishwasher.  Trust me when I say it's possible.

This month's winner: It's a tie.  I am torn between which one I love more.  They each had one item I didn't care for.  Which one do you prefer?

Fashionable DSLR Camera Bag

I recently bought a Canon DSLR, and I'm in love with it.  What I am not in love with is how ugly camera bags are.  I've been wrapping my camera in my son's extra clothes and diapers and throwing it in my diaper bag.  I know I know...I really shouldn't treat my belongings like that.  It is not the safest way to carry my camera that captures my son's perfectly precious moments.

I recently stumbled up the Libby Bag by Kelly Moore and instantly swooned.  This stylish bag is perfect for moms or any woman who wants a roomy bag.  I even think it would be perfect for someone who doesn't have a DSLR, but wants to be organized.  The compartments are just what every woman needs.  The Libby is a little bit of a splurge at $249, but I look at it like an investment.  I will have my Canon for years and I need a bag to store it safely during that time.  There is also plenty of space for an iPad, laptop, water bottles, snacks, wallet, your phone, etc.  The shoulder strap is perf for those days you need to be hands-free.  What's not to love?  Ladies, if you can afford this bag I highly suggest you treat yourself! I know I'm saving up for one.

Spending The Day With Elmo

As stated in my earlier post, my Hubby and I wanted to take our coconut (what I like to call my son) to see Sesame Street Live.  It was worth EVERY penny we spent.  Damian was so excited to see them in person.  He was clapping, dancing, and yelling at the different characters.  He has been obsessed with Grover lately.  We read/watch "The Monster at The End of The Book" on my iPad all the time.  If you have a child and an iPad I highly suggest downloading the app.  It is super interactive and entertaining.  Anyhoo, we had a fabulous family time. 

Damian loved naming all the characters as soon as they came on stage

He's lucky he didn't get a splinter.  Boys will be boys.

Walking back to our car from Agganis Arena at Boston University.  Just another beautiful day in Boston.

 

Someone was tuckered out after all the fun

At the end of the day I just wanted a simple dinner, so I decided to make some delicious homemade chicken soup

It's the Weekend!

Hey everyone!  What are your plans for the weekend?!  My husband and I are taking my son to see Sesame Street Live.  I can not wait for him to sing, dance, and see Elmo and Cookie Monster in person!  I really think this concert will help grow his imagination.  I love the fact that he will think they are real characters!  I'll be sure to take lots of pictures.  Hopefully I will be able to sneak in my Nikon DSLR!

I will post later tonight and tomorrow so stay tuned!  Enjoy the weekend and DO WHAT YOU LOVE!

Cake Batter Cookies

Yes, you read that right!  The recipe I'm posting is for CAKE BATTER COOKIES!  I have a sick obsession with cake, and who doesn't like cookies?!  It is the perfect combo.  My Grammy made these for me since I was a little kid.  I never knew the secret was cake mix until I finally asked her for the recipe.  I know this isn't the most healthy recipe.  I figure if I'm going to splurge I'm going to go all out.  I hope you love this recipe as much as I do.

Ingredients: 

• 1 package Duncan Hines white cake mix 
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 6 ounce package semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup butterscotch chips
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup craisins or raisins

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Blend cake mix, oil, and eggs
3. Stir in the rest of the ingredients
4. Drop dough from a spoon onto an ungreased cookie sheet
5. Bake for 10 minutes
6. Cool on cookie sheet for about two minutes
7. Place cookies on a cooling rack
8. ENJOY! 

Are Heated Eyelash Curlers Worth It?

One of the newest and hottest gadgets in the beauty industry is the heated eyelash curler.  Sephora's Professional Heated Lash Curler boasts their product as a can't-live-without product that is "perfect for curling stubborn straight lashes anytime, anywhere."  As someone who inherited ridiculously straight, impossible-to-curl Asian lashes I have struggled to keep a curl with my lashes.  Using a traditional eyelash curler my lashes would fall flat after applying mascara.  So do I think a fancy eyelash curler is worth it?!  ABSOLUTELY NOT!

I'm about to let all of you know one of my favorite beauty secrets!  In high school I struggled to keep my lashes curled for longer than 5 seconds.  No exaggeration.  I discovered if I use my blow dryer to heat my eyelash curler, then it would hold the curl like a curling iron for your hair.  The difference is huge ladies.  I put my mascara on immediately after curling.  The heat helps the wax in the mascara to form
 exactly how I want it to be. 

Obviously I don't suggest directing the heat of the blow dryer to your face.  I hold my FAVORITE Shu Uemura eyelash curler in one hand and hit it with 5-10 seconds of heat.  I suggest testing how hot your eyelash curler gets on your hand or forearm before placing it near your eye.  You want it to be warm not hot! Curl your lashes and apply mascara as you usually would and VOILA!  Beautiful, flirty, curled, sexy lashes in seconds. 

Do you guys want to see more beauty tips?  Would you want to see before and afters?

Urban Decay SALE Alert!!!!

www.urbandecay.com

I'm going to make this post short and sweet. 

Urban Decay is having an AWESOME sale on products they are retiring!!!!  Their uber popular primer potion is even discounted.  Fear not!  They are not retiring the primer potion itself, it just got a packaging makeover.

What are you waiting for?  Go check out the sale before it's all gone!!!!

Pesto Mozzarella Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

A slow cooker can be a busy mom's best friend.  I found this recipe on A Year of Slow Cooking when my son was a few weeks old.  I was in dire need of a healthy and easy meal.  I love this recipe because it only requires FOUR ingredients!  The chicken always comes out tender and juicy.  Not to mention the pesto and mozzarella on top adds delicious flavor that melts in your mouth.  The sweet potatoes cook perfectly making this a wonderful one pot meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• mozzarella cheese, sliced 
• 1 cup pesto (feel free to adjust to your taste)
• 3 or 4 sweet potatoes
• Note:  will need aluminum foil

Directions:

1. Lay chicken breasts on bottom of slow cooker
2. Place sliced mozzarella over chicken (I used a 16 oz. ball of mozzarella cheese because I LOVE cheese.  Feel free to use less or string cheese if you desire.)
3. Spoon pesto over cheese and chicken
4. Lay aluminum foil over ingredients
5. Wash sweet potatoes and pokes holes with fork all around
6. Put sweet potatoes on foil
7. Set slow cooker to low for 6-7 hours or high for 4-5
8. Enjoy!