Hair Haul

Good evening dolls!! How is every one doing? Are things slowing down now that the holidays are over? Not for me. Seeming constantly busy with work and balancing schedules between my husband, little girl and myself. But I’m enjoying life. In the past 2-3 weeks I’ve been trying out some new hair products and I’m so excited to share all my thoughts with you. And if you have any feedback or advice on hair care products, please let me know. I fry my hair alot and am always looking for things to make it healthy or at least healthy looking.

Moroccan Oil Moisture Repair Shampoo: This is my favorite shampoo, like ever!! This is an amazing shampoo for my color treated and heat styled hair. The moisture Repair shampoo leaves my hair clean but still moisturized. I could skip the conditioner and my hair would still feel luxurious and soft. It contains antioxidants from argan oil and has restoring keratin and fatty acids that pampers hair and restores the moisture. It is sulfate-free, phosphate-fee, and paraben-free, which won’t strip hair of color nor dry. This is also a great shampoo for those who have had a keratin treatment done because it doesn’t have sodium chloride. It’s probably the most I’ve ever spent on a shampoo but it was very worth it to me and I give it 2 thumbs up!

Moroccan Oil Restorative Hair Mask: If you ever wanted a deep conditioning mask that really works, this is your guy! It says to leave in for 5-7 minutes, but since my hair is near dead, I leave it in for 15-25 minutes. It is a nice thick, creamy conditioner that repair chemically/color treated hair. I’ve used it about 1-2 times a week, for the past 3 weeks and this mask has really helped my hair bounce back. About 8 months ago, I lifted my hair color and went nearly “Rihanna Red”. Well, I had to color my hair every other week for 2 months. Ya, that completely killed my locks and has made it nearly impossible to grow back out. Now, I’m a toned down red. This mask makes my hair feel soft, healthy, thick, and looks shiny. It actually infuses proteins back into the hair shaft, which allows it to become stronger. The other days I’m not using the Restorative Hair Mask, I’m using their Moisture Repair Conditioner and that’s wonderful too. I would like to try their Intense Hydrating Mask once I’m finished with the Restorative Mask.

Unite’s Tricky Lite: This is a half wax, half hairspray spray. I love it! It gives me a nice shine and a lite way to give me some texture. I like the separation it offers to piece out my hair but I would like a little more hold, as I do my hair big. But I do think I could try the regular Tricky and find that hold. It’s probably the best wax sprays I’ve ever tried because it’s not heavy nor makes my hair look greasy, just enough shine. This is a HUGE plus due to the fact that I try to wash my hair only ever 2-3 days. I needed something that would not build up and make me want to scrub my hair every day. The Tricky Lite was perfect! I found it at Trichology in Edmond.

Big Sexy Spray & Stay Intense Hold Hair Spray: Okay, I’ve been using this hair spray for probably close to 5 years now and I keep going back. I’ve tried a few different hair sprays on my long and short hair, but this is the one that I’ve received the best look with. I like my hair big, even before Jersey Shore (nor do I like my hair THAT big) and this does the trick. I can use the Spray & Stay to tease my hair or set the hold. I also, love the spray a little on my fingers and help run through my bangs to give them staying power. I live in windy Oklahoma and this hair spray helps my hair withstand the look like I just came out of a tornado. It can be drying, at least on my hair that is already dry, so I try not to use so much of it and less on my ends. But to keep your roots lifted up, it works!

Trichology Salon (OKC, OK): So, I’ve been following this salon on Twitter (@trichology) for months and had been wanting to try them out but never could find time to make the drive. Plus, I’m so OCD that it’s hard for me to trust new people with my hair. They are always talking about the in-store education classes they’re holding for their hair stylists and different events they are having. This made me very intrigued because I feel like some or most salons don’t feel the need to educated their employees on the new trends, products or techniques constantly. But current education is very necessary in the hair and make up and skin world. I loved that the owner put that much investment into the hair stylists. This past week I finally had time to drive from Norman & a baby sitter and trusted Brooke to do my hair. I walked in and was so pleased to see how clean and modern the salon looked. Very current and clean! I told the receptionist I had a 4pm appointment and she knew my name. I met my stylist and she was super friendly. She investigated into what I wanted. She listened thoroughly and I could tell by her ideas, she actually heard me. She was upbeat, sweet and I could tell she really enjoyed what she was doing. That’s what I love to see. People doing their job passionately. The owner introduced himself and I was really touched by this. Some places I’ve been, you never see the owners nor are they or the stylists making it seem like they enjoy being there. But every one seemed to be happy to be doing hair and you could see it transcend to their customers. After Brooke dried and styled my hair, I wanted a little more taken off and a little texturizing. It was  no problem and she was happy to give me what I wanted. Awesome! I’ve been that customer to be a little more picky and I could tell when the stylist or make up artist had a problem with me wanting something changed. Not here! Also, when it came to me asking her about some products, I didn’t feel pressured to buy. She knew what I already had and wanted what was best for me. Overall, this is a very clean and modern salon with such a friendly staff. I would recommend any one who lives in their area or will make that drive, go to Trichology Salon. I’ll definitely be back for more trims and some color, maybe even some extensions.

Hope everyone has a beautiful week and don’t forget to love on others. You never know what your love can do for another person.

xoxo

January Loves

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye: After 1 use, I’m in love! Let me just tell you what this little guy did for me. Last week, I had a bad cold. This week, I had a stomach virus and actually was in the hospital and on top of that, I’m 6 months pregnant. I look and feel worn out. My eyes have looked so dull, puffy and dark. I asked my Kiehl’s person if they had anything to help and they pulled out this little eye cream. I put it on over my make up. Instantly, I felt a nice cooling and tightening of my skin around the eye. It was like a refreshing feeling. My eyes looked hydrated and awake! Seriously, after a minute!!! It has essential oils & botanicals that help diminish the appearance of fine lines, reduce puffiness and dark circles. Like I said, I noticed less puffiness after 1 use and am excited to see the benefits of a long term use. $36

Lush’s Sympathy For The Skin: This body cream is very nice to my skin. It’s not as thick as you would think a “cream” . It’s super hydrating with a nice scent of bananas. Not oily at all. It has softened my skin, especially on my legs and it’s made with real bananas! $25.95

Tan Towel Classic Half Body Application: So this wasn’t my favorite sunless tanning product. I really haven’t found one that I LOVE. I used probably 6 of these to try to get the color I want and still didn’t achieve the color I liked plus I had streaks. Also, I felt like it dried out my skin. Keep in mind that I have been battling dryness but this did a number on my skin. I’m sure some people have had great results but it was just not working for me. So, if any one has any sunless tanning suggestions please let me know. In the mean time, I’m either going to live with my paleness or go spray tan.

MAC’s Cork Eyeshadow: This is one of my favorite softer browns. I use it almost all the time with every look. It is an amazing blending color for almost any eye look. How I typically use it: primer for the eye, highlight shadow, cork in crease, then darker shadow or color that I want in crease. It warms up any look and blends all looks. Try it with purples, greens, blues and even the black smokey eye. You can try Saddle, Bamboo or Samoa Silk Shadow as well. $15

Smashbox Bronze Lights in Suntan Matte: I am really liking this bronzer. Even though I’m on the fairer side, this darker bronzer goes on very sheer and can get darker as you apply more. It’s a very natural, sun-kissed look. $29

Moroccan Oil Treatment: Wow! Wow! Wow! This oil treatment is amazing and makes my hair feel excellent!! I was able to try some on my ends at the salon that I bought it at and in just a few minutes, my crunchy fried ends felt like healthy strands that never were touched by chemicals or heat. The oil absorbs fast and doesn’t leave an oily residue. I only wash my hair every 2-3 days and this oil the first to not weigh it down and make me want to wash my hair every day. I only put it on my hair half way down to my ends, as I don’t want to weigh down the roots of my hair. I can’t wait to use the rest of the line. It is a tad pricey but very worth it for healthy looking and feeling hair!

Please let me know if there are any products you’d recommend me try and I’ll definitely give a review! Have a great week dolls! xoxo

Hands & Lips- Elizabeth Arden

Hi Dolls!

I just had to let you all know about the Elizabeth Arden products, I just ordered. They have an Eight Hour Cream Set for $46.50 (online). It includes their Intensive Moisturizing Hand Treatment, Lip Protectant Stick SPF 15, and  Skin Protectant.

I’ve been using the hand treatment for nearly 2 months now and feel a huge difference in my hands. They keep their moisture and don’t dry out as easily. I wash my hands alot because I have a 1 year old and I do make up, so they tend to dry out easily. This really helps nourish them.

I’ve only been using Elizabeth Arden’s Skin Protectant for a week and I love it for many things. I, mainly, use it on my lips to help keep them from cracking. I use alot of lip sticks, glosses, stains and liners- that over time really dry out my lips. This helps them stay supple and application of my lipsticks are smoother. I also use the protectant on my hands, but only at night due to it being too oily for day. Also, I love to put this all over my feet and then put on my socks to lock in the moisture.

I’m super excited to use the lip protectant and see how it measures up to their skin protectant.

P.S. At check out enter “8WONDERS” to receive an 8- piece deluxe gift!!

Skin! Skin! Skin! Skin Is In!

Hi dolls! So how was every one’s first full week into the new year?? How are you doing with the resolutions? What are your resolutions? My week has been fabulous, as I’ve had some time off from work and have been able to try some great products. This week’s review is all about skin care. I fully believe that good skin and skin care regimen is key to good looking make up. Now, we all may not have flawless skin but we can definitely do things to help it along the way. So, here a few of my picks that have really boosted my skin’s appearance and texture.

Elizabeth Arden Peel & Reveal Revitalizing Treatment: I may have found a super mask for my skin! This mask/peel made my skin super smooth, clear and vibrant! The cabernet grape seed extract is packed full of vitamins and antioxidants. The alpha and beta hydroxy acids sloughs off flaky patches and lifts away dullness. It minimized my pores, on my upper cheek bones and even helped reduce the look of my laugh lines. (Yes, I have laugh lines- due to genetics and my chubby cheeks). I can sometimes be so impatient but I let this dry completely for about 25 minutes and then peeled it off in an upward motion. The first thing I noticed was how extremely smooth my skin felt. When I applied make up, it went on so smoothly. I’ve had alot of compliments in the past few days about how smooth my make up looks and i truly think it’s because of the Peel & Reveal.

Origins’ A Perfect World Skin Guardian: You want to talk about a serum that makes your skin feel instantly smooth? This is it! This serum is packed with antioxidants to fight off free radicals, that are trying to make you age faster. The Skin Guardian has Silver Tip White Tea that helps with oxidation, deterioration and dehydration. It has a lovely scent, something kind of tropical but not too over whelming. I also love to use this serum as a primer for my make up. My make up just glides on after I’ve used the Skin Guardian. I’ve been using this for about 4 years and it’s still one of my top 3 serums!

MAC’s Mineralize Charged Water Revitalizing Energy: MAC has done it again and superbly! For about 2 years, I’ve been using their Fix Plus spray to set make up and freshen up my skin. Now, MAC just stepped up their game even more with the Charged Water spray. It enlivens and revitalizes the skin by using charged water and pure diamond powder. It has a beautiful scent, that I wish came in a body wash and perfume. It has humectants in it, that draw moisture to the skin for a “drink of water”, as I like to call it. Being pregnant, my skin is dry and itchy all over. So when I get out of the bath, I spritz my whole body down with this Charged Water and then put on my moisturizer. My skin feels supple and nourished and has a sweet smell that is not too over whelming for my heightened senses.

Origins’ Precipitation Extra: This body cream has been one of my top favorites every winter for 4 years now. It feels like butter melting into your skin and soothes every dry, flaky patch. It has Shea, Cocoa Butter and Aloe to replenish moisture to skin, as well as renew. Murumuru, mango, Kokum Butters and Boise Oils help repair the lipid barrier of the skin. It doesn’t leave the skin having an oily residue and has a perfectly clean scent. I even will recommend this for those living with eczema or psoriasis, as my grandfather had and loved this moisturizer. For all the pregnant ladies, try this on your belly for a soothing feeling.

The Body Shop’s Cocoa Butter Body Scrub: This is a very creamy scrub that smells like chocolate. It seems to melt into your skin as it warms up on your body and with water. It contains ground rice and almond shell powder that helps exfoliate. This scrub is not as harsh as a salt scrub may be to the skin (granted I like my salt scrubs in the summer when I tend to be more oily). The cocoa butter is full of antioxidants and essential fatty acids. What’s better than getting glowing skin and slowing the aging process of your skin?! I think many people just take care of their face with anti-aging products but it’s also key to your body’s skin. I don’t want to have a beautiful face but then can’t wear a tank, at 40 years old, because I have sun spots and wrinkles. This scrub also has organic soy oil which helps repair the moisture barrier, which gives you nourished and supple skin.

This week, take a few moments to really pamper yourself, mind, body and spirit. Take short breaks through the day to have peaceful thoughts. Exfoliate and take at least 5-10 minutes to really rub in your body cream. Take a nice walk around the park to lift spirits and get some fresh air and scenery. Most of all, reflect on your loved ones and what a great opportunity you have to love on them. This is the best thing to lift my spirits and put me in a great state of mind.

Love & Peace XOXO

Ericka

New Year’s Day Sparkly Reviews

Lush’s King of Skin Body Butter: Bananas! That’s what I am over this product, which it actually has them in this body butter. One of my co-workers introduced me to Lush and that our Penn Square Mall had opened a store. Since I am in Oklahoma, we tend to hit trend and amazing things a few years behind the rest of the country. So I took a 45 minute trip to Lush. Immediately I was impressed with their customer service, layout and the glorious scent coming from inside. I have always been drawn to more natural products for my skin and especially now that I’m pregnant. I’m also very picky about what I put on my 16 month old daughter. I have really dry skin and was on the hunt for something magical to cure my dragon-like scaly patches. The sales lady knew I didn’t want any crazy hoopla but rather pick 2-4 things I can try. She recommended King of Skin Body Butter. I tried it out last night and was immediately impressed. How to use it: shower and wash like normal. At end of shower rub the body butter all over your skin and then rinse. Your skin will instantly feel hydrated and like you put moisturizer on. I dried off and still felt great. Slept and this morning my skin still felt luxurious! You could probably get away with not putting on moisturizer but I topped myself off with their Sympathy for the Skin Hand & Body Lotion. I repeated my routine this morning and went on my way to work. The whole day I did feel my skin get chapped or dry. Even my hands felt amazingly hydrated, which never happens due to hand sanitizer and washing of my hands ALL day. I give the Lush King of Skin Body Butter tons of thumbs up!!!

China Glaze Nail Laquer w/ hardeners in Ultamate Holiday: Any one who knows me, knows I love sparkles!! I mean I’m in L-O-V-E with sparkle! So, when I ran across this polish and got it on sale, I was ecstatic! I added it over a flat gold polish I have to amp it up but it looks beautiful on it’s own. I think this is a great color for the holidays and especially NYE. If you don’t want to do all 10 fingers in the wonderful gold shimmer, do your pinky or your ring finger to add a little flare. It is one polish I intend to find a few more of and stock up on.

The Body Shop’s The Sparkler: The bottle is beautiful just by it’s self. I actually really picked it up just for the bottle and then realized it was “All Over Shimmer”. 2 tips for The Sparkler: Do not inhale if spraying it close to face and don’t put it any where you don’t want shimmer. It’s a beautiful shimmery glow that poofs out of the bottle. I like to rub it out to a sheer layer of shimmer rather than a splotch of sparkle. But do wash your hands after and don’t touch anything that doesn’t need shimmer on it.

Chanel’s Illusion D’Ombre in Fantasme: This eye shadow is to die for!! Not only can you use it on your eyes, but I love to put this on my decolletage, as a cheek highlighter, and even on my shins for a nice shimmering glow. Those who know me, know I love sparkle and i probably have 3 other shadows that are very similar but I had to have this one. When you touch the eye shadow, it feels almost creamy but is still dry. It’s instant gratification. Now, I will say that it can (at first) be clumpy when applying it to the eye lid. Just make sure you keep smoothing it out with your eye shadow shader brush or your finger, till it is smooth. I did also notice, if I put a little too much on my eye lid, I would have fall out on my cheek. Key is to apply in small amounts and pack rather than swipe across lid. I absolutely adore this Illusion D’Ombre by Chanel and can’t wait to try their other shades.

 

MAC Cremesheen Glass in Narcissus: MAC launched their Daphne Guinness collection just last week and I have to say how excited I was to see all the pretty Cremesheen Glasses but especially Narcissus. This beautiful mid-tone purple caught my eye immediately! I love MAC’s cremesheens because they give a glossy look of a lipglass without being sticky and thick. Narcissus looks great on it’s own or paired with Viva Gaga 1 lipstick or Up The Amp lipstick. I even love to put a magenta colored liner all over my lip then throw Narcissus on. It’s such a fun lip gloss and a great color to spice up this winter!

Hope everyone had an exciting and safe New Years! I’m so glad to be starting this year off with my sweet family and friends. Let me know what your resolutions or life changes are and I’ll be posting mine soon. Have a wonderful night dolls!

xoxo

Ericka

1st Christmas I didn’t cry..

Hi dolls! Hope everyone’s Christmas was wonderful & full of love. What did you get? What traditions did you recreate or create?
Me, I had one of the best Christmas’ I’ve had in about 11 years. I owe it all to my sweet family.
In may, of 1998, my mother passed away. I was in 5th grade & didn’t even realize I had spent my last holidays with her. I was so young and didn’t realize how much I would be missing of her as I grew older. That first Christmas without my mom was the hardest but I had my other family around to help fill the void. Then my dad and I moved to Oklahoma and only had each other. We created our own traditions, cooking too much food, lounging and seeing a movie.
Last year was my first being married and having a child. This was the 2nd hardest Christmas I’ve ever experienced. I had this sweet little family to celebrate with. I had my dear mother in-law to show me their traditions and share her cooking secrets. (Which I’ll say, she cooks from scratch & my husband really didn’t get that quality in me.) So, I had all these great people and memories but I felt my mother’s void more than ever in my life. She wasn’t there to dote on daughter, Kaliapi, or help me cook or to see me grow as a wife, or pick out the best ornaments for the tree. Neither did I have my family, other than my dad around. It was so difficult. The hurt and sorrow I was feeling even affected my attitude toward my husband. I was bitter and depressed. I picked fights and stayed angry. It made for an awful first Christmas together. We almost didn’t make our trip to see my family, after Christmas, because of it.
New Years came and we went to Texas and we introduced my daughter to my family. This would be the last time I saw my Grandpa Fails (on my mother’s side). The trip helped put everything in perspective.
Turn to Christmas 2011 and I’m coping much better. I haven’t picked a fight, I haven’t acted out of sorrow and hurt. I haven’t let the void of my mother’s presence bring me down. I, simply, enjoyed these holidays. I worked alot at my retail job doing make up, which I love! I shopped till my addiction was filled. I wrapped gifts, made out cards and finalized plans. Christmas Eve, we went to my husband’s grandparent’s. Got to see the kids unwrap their gifts. My daughter just loved being able to tear stuff apart. Christmas morning, I got up early, made cinnamon rolls for the hubby, got my daughter up, did my make up for pics and lavished love on my family. The rest of the day we went to my sweet inlaw’s. My dad was there and it made it even better.
The only time I cried was when I unwrapped the gifts from my husband and daughter. Michael and his father made a day trip to Ikea, in Dallas, and picked up the chest of drawers I’ve been wanting. This will hold my make up collection and skin care. He also picked out a vanity, 2 lamps and dishes for me. It was so sweet and thoughtful. It was so nice that he got me what I wanted but it’s more about his heart. He knows I love make up and skin care and he got me things he’d know only I’d enjoy for these purposes. Michael touched my heart in a way no one has. This man of mine, he knows my passions, my desires, my likings, my dislikes, my emotions and he loves me all the same. This man is a leader, an encourager, a builder, a thinker, and a blessing to Kaliapi, our daughter on the way and myself.
My whole point to this post is that we often forget what we have. We often don’t treasure our memories we’re creating till they are over. But, we should learn to embrace them as we’re living them. We should invest our hearts into our family times. It’s okay to be sad and miss our loved ones that have passed, and I’m sure I’ll deal with those feelings again. But they would want us to be joyful in these times. I know my mom would want me to love on Kaliapi, as she would do, if she was here.

So, please, enjoy these holidays and your future ones with those you love. Love on your loved ones.

Xoxo

Ericka

Week 3: Estee Lauder, Clinique, Elizabeth Arden, L’Oreal

Estee Lauder Gentle Eye Make up Remover: This is one of the best eye make up removers I have tried in a long time. Most of the time I just use a MAC wipe to get any residue of my make up off (which they work wonders too). But I love this remover. It’s oil free and breaks up all my make up on my eye. I wear so much make up. I wear an eye cream, Paint Pot primer, 3-4 shadows, liner, mascara, false lashes and sometimes a liner all over my lid, depending on what I’m doing. The Estee Lauder Eye make up remover breaks it all down quickly and gently. I love that it’s oil free and I don’t have to re-wash my face to get any oil residue off. It makes my lids and under eye area feel very soft and nurtured. “Dermatologist-tested. Ophthamologist-tested and suitable for contact lens wearers.” 2 thumbs up!

Clinique Rinse Off Foaming Cleanser: This cleanser is pretty great! It’s a foamy lather that dissolves your make up and debris from the day. Clinique’s foaming cleanser really leaves a clean feeling without being too drying. I have combination skin, so my cheeks are drier and my T-zone is quite oily. Normally most cleansers that treat my oiliness, leave my skin feeling tight but this one does not. Even my T-zone feels hydrated but not oily- big difference. Most people think that because they’re oily they don’t need to moisturize their skin. This is a common misconception. But most of the time, your skin is over producing oil to make up for the lack of moisture you’re giving it. You still need to hydrate & moisturize your skin. Some will notice once you do so, you will see your oil production lower. This cleanser seems to be a great balance for my combination skin type. The only thing it didn’t remove fully was my eye make up. But, you should actually use an eye make up remover for this any ways.

L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Gelee (Medium Natural Tan): This self tanning product is a gel like consistency. It’s very easy to rub in and doesn’t take long to dry. It goes on clear & darkens over time. It says it won’t streak but it does if you don’t rub in well enough & cover every spot. Also I get dark patches around my wrist and elbow bend. But I do like the color I receive from it & try to take my time while rubbing in. I think thoroughly doing so will give you great results, it’s just alot of work. I’ve been encouraged to try a tanning towel. So once I try that, I’ll let you know what I think.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Moisturizing Body Cream: This cream is quite amazing! It’s sort of thick but not too thick of a cream. It absorbs quickly, but that could be due to my hands being quite dehydrated. It is not oily but a true cream. Since I do make up, I’m constantly washing my hands and this seems to really keep them from becoming chapped. I also love to put this cream on and then put on my gloves. I really recommend Elizabeth Arden 8 hr cream for those who work in the medical, cosmetic field or those who are simply germaphobic  and wash their hands alot.

Hope you dolls enjoy this weekend and remember to love on all your friends and family. Really take in this Christmas and all that you’re blessed with. Love & peace

Xoxo

Ericka

Last minute gift ideas

Gal who is a make up/skin care junkie:

Urban Decay Naked Palette contains 12 different shades of eye shadows that are great for everyone! It ranges from a gorgeous champagne color to what is said to be a “gunmetal” shade and also has 5 new colors from Urban Decay. This is a great palette to have for so many reasons, including that it’s easy to carry with you and can transform you from a casual look to a sexy night on the town.

The Sigma Beauty Essential Kit has 12 amazing brushes for the face and eyes. I have only used 4 of their brushes and fell in love with Sigma! I recommend every make up artist or make up junkie to try these brushes. And getting one of their kits is the best way to try them out. I own way too many brushes but am really considering investing in a few of their kits to get a broader idea of their brushes and quality. Remember, your brushes should be a good investment and you want them to last years. Granted, I’ve only used their brushes for about a week, I truly believe they will be with me for quite a while. Your brushes will really help you create the flawless or rock star looks that you see a make up artist create in magazines or at your local make up counter. Take pride in them and try out the Sigma Beauty Essential brush kit. (Don’t forget to clean them)

A pedicure/ hour long massage/facial is the perfect gift for the person who is running around like crazy this Christmas, making sure they got gifts for every single person, making sure they got enough wrapping paper, bows and even tape. I’m this woman! I have a 1 year old, a hubby, I’m pregnant, work in retail and have done most of the shopping for this year’s Christmas. Guess what? My body is worn out. A nice massage or a “deluxe” pedicure is the best thing for those who need a little extra loving to their joints. And a facial is amazing for the person who needs a little more pampering to their skin but hasn’t had time to do it them self. Plus, it’s nice when some one else is pampering you and you can just fall asleep. Don’t know any nice places to do these things? This is where you get creative. Create a calming environment, light some candles in the bathroom, run hot water, pour some bath oils and let her soak her feet. Then give her a nice long massage. Indulge her senses and use some Perfect Mind (from Origins) on her temples and neck. This eucalyptus will help her breather better and give a nice cool feeling. Spend some extra time on the spots that really are bothering her. If she falls asleep, you did a great job and just let her be.

Your boo bear: (coming from my own boo bear)

“If he has a video game console, buy him a game he’d enjoy (remember, he’d enjoy and not you- so a super manly game. Forza. MW3.) If he doesn’t have a console, buy him one.” Simple enough, I suppose. Give your man a break from his life stresses and let him be. Remember to actually let him play and don’t nag. Give him some time to wind down and enjoy his outlet, just as he doesn’t nag when you go shopping for the 3rd time this week. He doesn’t know why you enjoy the mall so much, just as you won’t understand why he enjoys shooting things and racing cars in games. But he does enjoy it, so don’t take away from that.

Have a wonderful Christmas week! Tell everyone you love them. Peace & love

xoxo

Ericka

Christmas Outfit

Good evening dolls!!

Hope everyone is enjoying these few days, before Christmas, relaxing rather than stressing about gifts and everything else. I still haven’t got all my shopping quite done- as I still have the grandparents to shop for. Why are they so hard to buy for? Is it because they’re older and mostly have everything they want? Or are they simply modest at giving me a Christmas list? Any whoo.. My husband, daughter and I went shopping the other night and we pretty much just bought for ourselves. It was kind of nice though. We picked out the things we really would like to wear at our Christmas celebrations and we enjoyed each other’s company.

I’m going to show you my outfit and give you different tips of what to wear for your holiday occasions.

 Let’s start with hair. I have recently cut my bangs straight across and now wear long extensions. I want my hair to be very romantic and easy. So I will be doing a messy side bun with little hairs peeking around my face and hair line. I’ll be wearing this as my hair piece to make it a even softer feel. I think of something the ballerinas would wear in the Nutcracker when I see this head piece.

Now, because I’m 5 1/2 months pregnant, this dress was the perfect choice for me. It has a higher waist band that sits right above my beach ball belly. It does have a slight stretch, which is very comfortable. And I love the necklace type embellishment along the collar. This dress makes it super easy for me to be dolled up without all the work. Still going with the ballerina trend.

 I have & LOVE these platform heels!!! I have 2 other colors in them and just saw a gorgeous pink pair I think I must have. Being that I’m 5 months preggos, I can still walk in these and not die. Also, I’m a little under 5 foot and these make me feel sleek, elongated and sexy. I wanted to do something a little bolder than sparkly black but still keep it classy, so I chose my gold heels. Nice pop of color and shine for my Christmas evening.

I’ll also be pairing my outfit with some nice studded earrings and cuff bracelet (I think) and maybe a signature ring. My make up is going to be polished, matte finish, bold lip (red or bright pink-like Viva Gaga 1 lipstick) and soft neutral eye.

If you don’t want to wear a dress and keep it more casual, here are my suggestions (with a few pics). Wear some nice dark wash skinny jeans. I know Gap has some great ones. Pair it with a sparkly tank or top like this

and throw a cute cropped blazer on top. Pair it with embellished flats

or a classic pump heel. I say, if you take to the simpler look, do a little more accessorizing or add more to your make up. Maybe, a smokey eye and nude lip. Try adding Vanilla Pigment by MAC to your upper cheeks for a nice “holiday” glow.

Hope you all have a wonderful night! I’m off to bed early for a nice refreshed look tomorrow. Peace & Love

xoxo

Ericka

Week 2: Dermologica, Dermablend, Big Sexy Hair, Sigma Beauty

Hey dolls! Hope you have had a great week and have been getting all your Christmas shopping finished up. I on the other hand just started and hope to finish in the next day or two. I am not very used to shopping for so many different people, as I grew up with only my dad. And my dad and I had our own traditions about shopping with one another, then on Christmas we lounged, cooked alot of food for 2 people and then saw a movie. Nevertheless, I am really enjoying this holiday season and starting new traditions.

While shopping (for people other than myself) this week, I have managed to pick up a few items I thought I’d try out and now it’s time for my weekly review!

Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser: It’s so refreshing, during and even after, the cleansing of my face. My skin feels awakened, extra clean without feeling dry and very smooth. There is Kaolin clay that removes excess oil and a nice menthol feel and smell. The thing I like best about it is that there is no artificial color or fragrance to this cleanser. It says that it is best for skin that has excess oil production, in which I do. After a week of using the Dermal Clay Cleanser, I feel like it is absorbing my oils and controlling it more. This is a product I feel most men would like, as well. Most men like a very clean after feel and “minty scent”- this has it!

Dermablend Smooth Indulgence SPF 20 Foundation: The first place I tried this foundation was on my arm to see the actual coverage & color. (Although, you should never try to match your color on your arm- it’s not accurate). First thing I noticed: It covered up EVERY freckle, imperfection and pore on my arm. I was WOWed! Now, I’m not one to want to cover up every freckle. I actually think they’re beautiful and unique on every one who has them. I wish more women embraced them. But, I wanted to try Dermablend because I heard a lot about the brand and maybe could put it in my make up kit. So, I found my color and tried it for 3 days. Yay or nay? Both. Yay for coverage, which is about twice that of traditional foundations and you use minimal product. It truly isn’t heavy on my skin and feels extremely smooth. It’s non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic (amazing).  It does last almost all day. This is important for me, as I’m a wife, mom, pregnant, run errands and work. Downside: I don’t feel like I can, personally, wear this every single day. It’s too much coverage for my days off and more simple days. I would wear this for photos or special events. Plus, I have a wonderful husband who loves to see my true skin & freckles. I recommend Dermablend for those with heavy acne, scars or imperfections that they don’t feel comfortable showing. But, know that you’re truly beautiful nomatter what shape your skin is in or any mark that may be there.

Big Sexy Hair Powder Play: This product has no down sides for me. It’s AMAZING!!! Whether you have short, medium, long or straight, curly, wavy, unruly or perfect hair- you can use this in your life! It’s a fine white powder that you sprinkle into your hair where you want volume and texture. When it hits your scalp, it delivers a cool (almost water) feel. I flip my hair over, sprinkle it all around (even on my sides), shake my head and fluff my hair and flip back over. You will immediately notice the “bigness” of your hair. Then you can just style it or back comb the sections you want to have extra volume. You can still use hair spray but I find I don’t really need to after I use the powder play. 2 thumbs up!

Sigma Beauty Brushes: Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki F80- This is one of my favorite brushes ever! It is short and the bundle of hairs is very thick. It is extremely soft. I just love to rub this brush all over my face even without product on it (sounds kinda creepy). This kabuki brush lays down plenty of coverage but really buffs make up into my skin, making it look flawless & fabulous!!! I also ordered the F84 Angled Kabuki brush and the E65 Small Angled eye liner brush. I really like them both but am in love with F80! Okay, so here’s my quadruple thumbs up for Sigma Beauty. Their prices are extremely reasonable. Their brushes seem to have amazing quality and durability (I am very rough on my brushes). They shipped the brushes to me in about 3 days. Lastly, but super impressive, they sent me a complimentary E25 blending brush to try out. The E25 is a travel size but has just the same quality as the full size. I was extremely impressed that this company would send a complimentary brush and for that I will continue to add to my Sigma brush collection and spread their good word and business.

Hope you guys enjoyed this week’s product reviews and will try these products out and give me some feedback. Don’t forget to give me suggestions of things you’d like a review for. I’m always open to trying new products. Peace & love dolls!

xoxo

Ericka