Review time

I've finally finished up some products and I've been branching out and trying some new stuff!  Not unusual if you have been following my blog but it's been a little while since I remember doing a review.

boscia Cleansing Gel is just divine.  Barely there scent, thoroughly cleanses without stripping, it's just fantastic, I love it.  So I started reading up on the company and come to find out it's sulfate and preservative-free.  I had no idea!  $28 will get you 5mL.  You need only a tini tiny amount for cleansing so it will last forever. 

I'm also estatic about the ingredients.  I love natural products.  I've always dabbled here and there but when I became pregnant with my third, I really started to pay attention to what I was putting into and on to my body.  After I had my son, I went back to my usual "cheaper" I mean less expensive products.  One I will mention, which does a tremendous job at cleansing my skin is the L'OREAL 360 Deep Cream Cleanser.  I stopped using it because of the salicylic acid.  Well I went back to it and the very first use I somehow managed to swallow it.  Let me tell you, it hurts and it's disgusting.  The next time I use it, I get it in my nose and it's dripping down my throat again.  I have no idea what is going on.  My only thoughts are that I have really become sensitive to the chemicals in the products that I use.  Or I need to be more careful when washing my face to prevent ingesting my face wash. 

That aside, I love the boscia cleansing gel.  I have yet to swallow it but I feel more comfortable since it is made from Hydrangea leaf, jojoba leaf, willowherb and green tea.  Less scary I think.  I will let you know how it goes down!

SNOTD

My all time favorite, Revlon Perplex.  I've worn it so many times but just realized I have never taken a picture!  It's my go to polish.

The PolishAholic: 1000 Follower Giveaway

Wow wow wow!  First of all a following of over 1300 and an amazingly generous giveaway to boot!

SNOTD

It was a sunny day today so I had to take advantage!  Milani 3D in Hi-Tech!

Love this nail polish.  I need to get the rest of them.

Rite Aid Video Values

Don't forget to watch your February Rite Aid Videos for major values!  lol  I crack myself up sometimes.   

Seriously though, by spending 20 minutes of your time you can watch all 16 beauty videos to score a $4 off $20 purchase and there are winter video values worth $2 off your purchase as well.

February Video Values start today and run through February 26th.  Coupons are good through March 26th.  Rite Aid coupons can be combined with manufacturer coupons and it's a win-win for you.

Do it!  Your bank account will thank you later...

Physicians Formula

So out of the Magic Coupon machine at CVS comes a $10 off coupon for Physicians Formula Powder Palette, Blush or Foundation purchase.  So I go over to the section and look of course for the 75% off clearance items.  I look and look and look.  I really do not need a thing, not another powder, shimmer, nothing.  So I walk away. 

Have you found yourself in the same situation?  Well don't fret.  Don't throw away your coupon either.  My coupon is good through 2/2/11.  And according to i heart cvs, there will be $7 in ECB printed for any $10 Physicians Formula purchase the week of 1/30/11. 

Okay so free plus $7 back?  I think I will be able to find something...

Today's trip to Target

Not pictured...  a tan chenille throw and blue twin sized sheets.  Left them at the register but I called and they are still there!  Waiting for me at Customer Service.  Hopefully I can convince my son to go back out.  Not happening at the moment. 

Grand total $38.75 for 4 boxes of oatmeal, 2 canisters of oatmeal, 4 boxes of Nature Valley, 4 Vitamin Waters, 1 Garnier Brush cleanser, chenille blanket and twin sheets.  Not spectacular but not bad either. 

Coupon line up:

6 $1/1 Quaker Oatmeal coupons, good for instant boxed, Quick Cooking Oats or Old Fashioned.
2 Target $1/2 instant Quaker oatmeal
2 Target $1/1 Quaker oatmeal
1 Target $2/1 Garnier face product
$1/1 Garnier Brush Cleanser
4 50 cents/1 box Nature Valley
2 BOGO Vitamin Waters

So 2 Quaker Old Fashioned oatmeal, total for each, $1.19.  Not bad for oatmeal.  Then for then boxed Quaker Apples and Cinnamon, sale price was $2.74/1  So I got them for $1.24 each.  Vitamin Waters are on sale for $1.  $1 for 4 or 50 cents each with coupons.  Garnier Bruch cleanser was on sale for $4.04.  Total after coupons, $1.04. 

I messed up on the Nature Valley Bars.  I have a million 50 cents/1 box coupons so I decided to use 4.  So I got 8 bars for $2, there are 2 packages in each box.  A normal box has 6 bars (well 12 bars, 6 packages) So I got 16 bars or 8 packages for $2.  Not the best deal but slightly cheaper...

My son has been needing a comforter for his bed.  I keep wanting to make a quilt but no time = no quilt.  Afer nursing school I will get back into it.  Hopefully... But fortunately Target was having an amazing sale so I scored an airplane comforter set for $14.98 and a dark blue twin sized sheet set for $5.91, both on clearance. 

I also have been needing a smaller throw for the livingroom and found that the chenille throws were $4.98.  I probably should have picked up 2!  We have 2 couches and an oversized chair.  Maybe I'll grab another when I go back to pick up my lost bag!

Overall not bad, would have been much much more without coupons!

Nicole by OPI Tinsel Tips

I was at Wegmans doing some grocery shopping and I always walk down the cosmetic aisle to see what is going on.  Sure enough, the Revlon polishes were on sale for $2.99 with a $1 off coupon.  But alas, I resisted.  But then I saw the Nicole by OPI Tinsel Tip Trio on clearance for $2.22 and I scooped it up real fast.  I looked at them at Walmart and figured that they would go on sale after Christmas but I never made it to the after Christmas sales.

I also saw the OPI Swiss Mini Collection but that was selling for $12.95.  There was only one left, oddly by itself on a high shelf so maybe no one will see it when it goes on clearance and I will snatch that up as well!

Spark My Mistletoe, Stuck in the Chimney, Kiss Me at Midnight

These are tiny little bottles.  Perfect really because who ever gets through a full bottle of polish?  Hmm?

I'll probably save these for the next holiday season!



SNOTD

I realize that these nail posts are not on Sunday.  lol  The babe has been taking long naps so I have a stretch of time for my nails to dry.  Win win for the both of us!

Since I couldn't stop looking at my Steal this Teal nails the other day, I thought I would try NYX Jungle over it. Steal this Teal is an amazing base coat for NYX Jungle!

A little darker, a little bluer but NYX Jungle has gold flecks in it as well.  I would need 3-4 coats to get this depth.  This is just one coat well one coat over 2 coats of Steal This Teal.  Love it.

Hot Bowl of Chili on a Cold Winters Day

This is a very simple recipe for good chili!  I'm sharing my secret ingredients.  Well not all of them.  I'm giving you the basics and you can add any other "secret" ingredients that you desire!

First start off with a pound (2 pounds if you want to freeze some for another night) of lean ground beef, turkey or you can leave the meat out altogether and throw in some tofu.  Ground that up, seasoning as you go with salt and pepper.  You want to season each layer so you are not dumping a bunch of salt in at the end.  If you do that, all you will taste is salt.

So as your first layer is browning, chop of a medium onion, a green pepper and a few cloves of garlic.  I love garlic and I use a ton of it.  Again you can use any variations that you prefer.  I happened to grab a sweet vidalia because I love them.  They don't tend to cause my eyes to tear which most onions will do.  I'm also using a green bell pepper, but you could use red, yellow, orange or all four.

When your first layer is finished browning, add in the peppers and onions.  I sweat these out for about 10-15 minutes making sure that they are good and soft.  I will also season this layer with salt, pepper and a little garlic powder.  Remember that as you season your layers, you are doing so springly or you'll end up with a salty chili at the end.

After 15 minutes, I add in a ton of spices.  I'm at the beyond measuring stage in my cooking creations.  I prefer to wing it really.  I've just been cooking for many years now and just "know" how much.  Baking however is more precise, it's chemistry.  You follow the recipe.  But with cooking, you just go with it. 

However that being said, the main ingredients in chili are of course chili powder.  It deserves a couple of tablespoons.  Cumin, 1-2 tsp depending on if you like it.  Oregano 1-2 tsp.  I ground up some fresh cinnamon.  It adds some dimension to the dish.  Continue with red pepper flakes, more if you like the heat, less or omit if you don't.  Red Cayenne pepper as a lot of heat as well.  Let the spices sweat for a few minutes before adding the diced tomatoes.  If you don't have all the spices I have listed, save yourself a headache and your wallet and grab a 99 cent chili spice packet.

You can you fresh diced plum tomatoes, whatever you prefer.  Rachel Ray really turned me on to the fire roasted toms a few years ago and I haven't looked back!  I'm not endorsing any brands here but I like Hunt's toms and like Goya's canned beans.  Soaking dried beans over night is probably best but I wanted to make this recipe simple right?

Okay so you are done.  You could actually eat it in about 10 minutes after checking your seasoning and making adjustments.  If the tomatoes are way too acidic, don't be afraid to add a pinch of sugar to calm them down.  I put in a spoonful of brown sugar.  The molasses adds another dimension to the flavor.  A spoonful isn't going to make it sweet so don't worry! 

I cook mine for about an hour.  It gives the flavors more time to develop.  When I'm adding the canned tomatoes, I swirl some water in each can and add that water to the pot.  This allows for evaporation.  If I didn't add the water, it would be way too dry after an hour. 

So there you have it.  Serve with diced toms, onions, cheese and sour cream and have some crusty bread nearby for dipping.  In our house growing up, we would sprinkle parmesan cheese on our chili.  I'm going to serve mine over brown rice tonight.

Enjoy!

Shopping Yesterday

I stopped by CVS quickly.  Didn't do my best.  $4.79 OOP and $2 back in ECBs.  I had 2 70 cents/1 Raison Bran coupons, 2 $1/1 Crest Pro Health, 2 $1/1 Colgate Total and $1 off SH Nail Treatment.  I broke it up into 2 transactions and used the $4 from the Pro Health to pay for the cereal, SH and Colgate.  My store didn't have the correct Orbits gum to use the BOGO Free coupon.

So bottom line, $2.79 for all of this...

I'm going to check another CVS in town for Cocoa Crispies.  $1.09 a box and the kids love it for a snack before bed.  I have 2 70 cents/1 coupons and try to find the right Orbits gum.  Tropical something. 

I also went to Walgreens and did the Vick's deal.  On sale for $5, spend $20 get $10.  I had $7 in RR from the Lysol Healthy Touch from last weekend and $6 in coupons from 1/16 PG, 2 $1.50/1 Dayquil, 2 $1.50/1 Nyquil.  I don't normally use these items or cold remedies in general but if I do get sick this Spring, I will not have the time to sit around feeling sick.  The next 7 months are going to fly by with school, graduation, selling a house and moving.  No joke!  I'm going to prepared...  $7 in change OOP, $10 RR back, $3 money maker.

I also grabbed 2 Thermacare on sale for $2.50 and $2.50 in RR.  I had $1.50 off coupons for each.  2 separate transactions to get RR.  So $2 OOP, $5 RR, $3 money maker.  I'm going to grab some more today.  My daughter is having grwoing pains again in her legs and I'm hoping I can wrap these around them to soothe the pain.  Hello growth spurt!  And I have finally resolved to work out.  Sore days ahead for me as well.

Have you been shopping lately?

SNOTD

So I did my nails today.  Teal used to be really cool in the late 80's early 90's.  So here's my question...  Should it make a comeback?

This is Okie Dokie in Steal This Teal.  I'll admit it, I likey.  Nice shimmer, slight holo of green and blue depending on the light.  I found this brand at Rite Aid for $1.99  This is 2 coats and a base coat.  Dries quickly too.

I can't stop looking at my nails...

Storage/Organization Ideas

So I'm not sure how I stumbled upon this, I wasn't even doing a search.  But I literally started hearing this voice and started closing windows on my computer and Miss Chievous was showing her vanity and makeup storage.  I started it over and watched the entire 20 minute video and then I started looking on IKEA for the furniture that she has.

So I'm seriously thinking about making some purchases.  The hubby will kill me but we will need to stage this house for a sale in the very near future and I need to get my "dressing" room upstairs straightened out.  All the HGTV shows spend an average of $1200 to stage their homes.  All our rooms are perfect except for the upstairs and I want a quick sale.  I would be spending about $300?  And I can take these pieces with us to NC!  Win win right?

So these pieces are similar to Miss Chievous but I will probably choose the darker alternatives.

#1 Vanity

Malm  $129

In Miss Chievous video there is a drawer that pulls out.  I'm not sure if this one has the same feature.  This piece also has to be secured to the wall.  I would hate to drill holes in the wall right before we leave though.

# 2 Drawers

Her other piece was the Alex 9 drawer unit.

Looks like it only come in the white.  I would want it to match the Malm for sure.  I don't think I would have the time to paint.  I certainly do not have enough makeup to fill all 9 drawers but I'm thinking the 4 bottom drawers would be perfect for all my stockpile items, shampoo and conditioners, lotions, toothpaste and listerine
Both of these pieces would match my all time want from the Pottery Barn which I have asked my dad to make.  He is a self-learned carpenter and amazing at making furniture. 

#3

The Bedford Project Table. 

I used to quilt before I started school.  When we bought this house I had visions of the upstairs room being my quilting room with the skylights letting in perfect amounts of daylight.  But then I started school and all quilting has been on hold and the upstairs room as become a collection of random furniture and our old kitchen table.  Ugh.

I'm partial to dark colored furniture but dust literally glows on it.  Maybe I should go with white?  The room is a smaller space, darker colored furnture may close of the space and make it look even smaller.  Hmm...  Decisions, decisions...  What's great about IKEA furniture is that it is relatively in expensive.  The Bedford Project Table will have to wait...

Argan Oil

There are a ton of companies cashing in on the Argan Oil buzz and for good reason.  Personally, it works amazing and leaves the skin soft and smooth.  I've been dying up North this winter.  6 more monts until we live on the beach!  Well 15 minutes from it in North Carolina.  But for the next few months, it is going to be col, cold, cold and dry, dry, dry here in the Southern Tier.

I received Tradition de Hammam Oriental Massage Elixir with Moroccan argan oil from organically grown ingredientsArgan Massage Oil for free with an Yves Rocher order before Christmas.  I've used it three times and barely made a dent in the 3.4 oz.  I also bought an Argan Oil mask for the face and hair.  It didn't go so well as a hair mask for me, it was pretty much a disaster for me actually.  I might have left it in too long and it took forever to wash out.  Never again.  I'll stick with hot oils and deep conditioners.  On the face it was lovely but I like the way all masks make my skin feel.

Bottom line, I highly recommend this oil or any other oil to soothe dry, itchy skin in the winter.  It absorbed quite nicely, better than some thicker body butters I have tried that seem to leave a film.  My skin just drinks up this elixir and it has a lovely scent.  It's 45% off at Yves Rocher right now at $17.  Yves Rocher has a ton of great products which I am currently using.  Go through http://www.ebates.com/ and save yourself even more $$$ with their cash back program.

Breaking news! Well as of last night...

I was flipping through the channels last night indulging in some television before classes start back up next week and it was announced that Starbucks will be releasing the 31oz Trenta or 916 mL for iced drinks!  Probably just for iced because it would be very diffcult to finish a 31oz cup of coffee before it was ice cold. 

I found this article pointing out that 900 mL is the average capacity size of the human stomach.  Hmm...  Of course the human stomach can stretch to 2000 to 4000 mL.   And remember the average human bladder capacity is 350-500mL and with the added diuretic properties of your morning/afternoon caffeine, expect to make a few trips to the bathroom...

Look for yours nationwide May 3.  Hopefully your summer will be much cooler now with this addition to the Starbucks menu!

Shopping for free, well close enough for me!

So I stopped by CVS, Walgreens, back to Walgreens, back to CVS then to Rite Aid but they close at 8 on Saturday nights, Target and then Walmart.

I'll start off with the highlights...

Friday CVS:  57 cents OOP  I got 2 L'OREAL nail polish, a pink and a quick dry, Mitchum deordorant and Sally foot cream. My feet have been super dry!  Normally I wouldn't buy things that do not generate ECBs but I needed deordorant and I had a coupon.

Friday Walgreens:  Didn't go as well as planned but bought some Biore unexpectedly but received $5 in RR.  So I stopped by quickly with the kiddos and grabbed a Lysol Healthy Touch soap dispenser.  I had $3 MC and they were giving back $7 in RR.  Final cost $1.99.  I also grabbed some EOS shave gel, my absolute favorite, $2.99 with $2 RR.  I rolled $7 in RR on to my second transaction Biore pore strips and Biore Steam activated cleanser which was on clearance.  I had $3 in MC and $7 in RR and got back $5RR.  So I paid a couple bucks out of pocket and got back $5RR.  Money maker.

Saturday Walgreens:  I grabbed another Lysol Healthy Touch and used $5 RR and $2 RR and I had another $3 MC.  I had to grab 2 filler items so Nexxus was BOGO 1/2 off so I grabbed 2 Nexxus Smoother Serums off the clearance shelf.  I had coupons for other items on the shelf but since I wanted to spend the less I could OOP, I went with the Nexxus.  $2.79 and then 1/2 off $1.40.  Spent $7.46 OOP, got back $7 in RR.  Almost a money maker.  The cashier looked pretty surprised.

Saturday CVS:  The red coupon machine has been printing out 50 cent coupons for Dove bars.  Here I am thinking that they are for chocolate.  My sister informed me that they were actually for soap and that single Dove bars were on sale for 99 cents.  That was my original Friday trip to CVS was for.  However, the 99 cent price was not advertised on the shelf and there weren't any bars of soap to check.  SO on Saturday, I went to grab Physician's Formula blusher in Pink Glow b/c it was 75% off so $2.50 and I had a $3 off coupon.  So this CVS had bars of DOV soap and I grab three and actually scan them and sure enough 99 cents.  So I paid 49 cents a bar using the 3 50 cent CVS coupons.  The cashier said I did a great job.

Saturday Target:  Spent $40 OOP saved $46 in coupons.  The cashier was impressed.
Highlights...
3 Reach Floss 97 cents had 3 $1/1 coupons:  Free
Halle Berry perfume $7.48 had $5/1 coupon:  $2.48 for $20 perfume (small bottle)
2 Scrubbing Bubbles Daily Shower Power Sprayer Cleaners  clearance $5.94 had 2 $5/1 coupons
Vasoline Intensive Lotion $2.99 had $1/1 Target and $1/1 MC  99 cents
Lubriderm Lotion clearance $4.48 had $1.50/1 coupon $2.98 okay deal
Halls 30 ct cherry and honey lemon $1.19  2 50 cent/1 Target coupons and 2 $1/1 MC  Better than free, overage
3 Kashi go lean crisp berry cereals on sale $2.99 had $1.50/3 Target and 2 $1/1 MC so $1.82 a box after coupons and sale
Glad Force Flex trash bags with Febreeze $7.49 had 2 $1/1 Target coupons and 2 $3/1 MC $3.49 for each, not bad.
Shout $1.26 50 cent Target coupon, 55 cent MC coupon  26 cents
Ken's salad dressing $1.79 had 2 50 cent/1 Target coupons and $1/2 MC coupon, so 79 cents a piece

I also grabbed some random things of the clearance shelf Nescafe I had a coupon for, some Dunan Hines frosting and cupcake papers for upcoming birthday and Valentine's day baking, and a Wonka chocolate bar, also shoes and Mr. Clean cleanser on clearance which I had a coupon for.

So to break it down looking at the picture, after coupons and RR's and ECB's here is a list:

All the free items...

3 Reach Floss

2 packs of Halls

Mitchum deordorant

Physicians Formula Pink Glow

2 L'OREAL Nail polishes

Sally Hansen Foot Cream

Items under a $1

2 Scrubbing Bubbles Power Sprayers 94 cents each

2 Nexxus Sleek Finish 15 cents ea.

Vasoline Intensive Rescue 99 cents

EOS Shaving Gel 99 cents

Lysol Fabric Mist 54 cents

3 Dove Soap Bars 49 cents ea.

Lysol Healthy Touch Soap Dispenser 16 cents

Items under $2

1 Lysol Healthy Touch Soap dispenser $1.99

3 Kashi Cereals $1.82 ea.

Mr. Clean Multi-purpose Spray $1.36

Biore Steam Activated Cleanser $1.50

Biore Pore Strips $1.50

Item under $3

Halle Berry Perfume $2.48

Item under $4

Lubriderm Lotion $3.38

Normally I would have skipped the above two items but the $5 perfume coupon was burning a hole in my pocket and we are really flying through the lotion this winter season and Lubriderm for $3.38 is a pretty good price.  Not free but roughly 50% off retail.

So OOP for the above items $23.37 not including tax.  One Lysol Healthy Touch cost $11.99 and one Scrubbing Bubbles Power Sprayer was on clearance for $5.94, Clearance!  So that is the power of couponing folks!

Not a bad end to the week.

This week I'm focused on cheap/free toothpaste, cheap oatmeal and cheap John Frieda and Pantene shampoo.  I've also been looking at buying coupons on ebay.  I'll have to send some to my sister because I don't need 20 of any one item!  But I am planning on getting stocked up on the above items for at least a year.  Toilet paper, paper towels and laundry detergent are too bulky to move.  Well oatmeal might be a bit bulky...  I need to slow down on the cleaning products as well.  They can't be packed up, ran into that problem on the move from VA to NY. 

Wish me luck!

SNOTD, A day late!

Two coats of ZOYA nail polish shade Jo.

A bit of a haul...

So U by Ungaro is now in the AVON outlet books and I had to scoop every last piece up at thses rock bottom prices.  Every year well more accurately every few campaigns, AVON will team up with a designer.  Last year it was Emanuel Ungaro.  Remember the whole debacle with Lindsey Lohan and her collection?   Well it didn't go over so well but that is the same Ungaro if you were not familar.  AVON also has a perfume U by Ungaro for her and for him.  I have a bottle of the perfume for her and it has a nice scent.  Reese Witherspoon was the spokesperson.

So here is the AVON U by Ungaro collection.  I haven't swatched anything out yet but the colors look amazing even the glow in the dark ungaro pink lipstick.  Here's some pictures:

The pink boxes

Pink Compacts

Face powders

Left:  Champagne   Right:  Runway Pink

Eyeshadows

Right:  Runway Pink  Middle:  Glam Glam  Left:  Champagne



Lippies

Ungaro Pink

Glam Glam

Glam Glam



Champagne

Champagne

So there you have it. 

AVON U by Ungaro Collection

New 2011 Drugstore Makeup

So there are a few items I really want to try, but of course have no business trying because I already have a ton of stuff.  But I still browse through the cosmetic aisle checking out the new stuff and I'm thinking there is going to be a lot more as CVS continues to dump products at 75% off.   here are a few that have me intrigued...

L'OREAL Youth Code

I don't know if it is the catchy ads and commericals touting 10 years of research or the packaging but I've been trying to work out every deal I can at Rite Aid and CVS to buy it.  But then when I have all my up rewards and ECBs ready to go, I put it back on the shelf.  I have some other things to use up first.

Almay Smart Shade Balanced Pressed Powder

AVON had a smart shade line a couple of years ago.  Not sure if they still have it or it is floating around in Outlet books, but basically it was a "white" foundation that transformed into your skintone.  And it really did.  Maybe it was a heavier primer but I loved the stuff.  I used it all winter long because those are the months I have terrible time of finding foundation that matches my skintone.  So this product has me interested.  I like powders because of the buildable coverage and they work well if my combination skin.

Garnier Frutis Skin REnew Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller

This isn't new from this year but it quietly hit the shelves or I noticed it at the end of last year and I almost bought it full-price.   I know your jaw just hit the floor.  Go ahead, pick it up.  But every time I shop, I have this in mind to buy.  I don't really have dark circles but I need something light under my eyes.  Most concealers are too drying for me or they do too good of a job and I look like I'm ready for my close-up on the red carpet.  I like a more natural look.  This product seems like it would be perfect...  And I like roller balls and sticks.  I don't have to get my underneath nails all gunky. Right?

Ecotools by Alicia Silverstone

They just look so cute!  Not that I need another cosmetic bag, actually I do.  I just had to throw away two do to staining and broken zippers.  Hmm...

I actually have 2 products from EcoTools that I need to try.  A retractable brush and body butter.  I picked these up from my 2 free coupons from EcoTools Look Gorgeous Love Green Campaign.

Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase

SO I was reading in an older Woman's Day ( I have a backlog of free magazines to read) and apparently the line is at Walgreens and Walmart.  We all know Kinerase, well Dr. LeWinn has come up with a more affordable line and with the same plant based derivatives including kinetin.  This antioxidant is supposed to stimulate cell growth for more youthful skin.  Now I haven't seen these products yet, but I also haven't been specifically looking either.  I looked on-line and didn't come up with anything so maybe it's not out in stores yet.  The article didn't say specifially when it would be either.

There are probably a ton more, but those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head right now.

Happy 2011!

Don't knock the Dollar Tree

Especially when these could be in the make-up aisle...

I had at least 4 of these shades in my basket over the summer or last spring in Walgreens.  I remember the time very distinctly.  Even though there was a Buy 1, Get 1 50% off sale and I had coupons, I put them all back.  Glad I did.  A few months later I got them all for a dollar.  Not bad.

The L'OREAL lipgloss is a bright purple.  Looks just a bit scary in the tub but divine on the lips.  I haven't tried nail art yet so I picked up the LA Colors because they were a dollar.  The brush is extremely long.  There must be a reason for it. I've been playing around but nothing has turned out yet.

The Maybelline nail polishes came in a dual pack.  The glitter gold one is awesome.  It is quite glittery with one swipe and it is also smooth on the nail bed.  I put it on quickly to check it out when I came home from the store.  it would look lovely over a gold base.

I'll do some swatched and reviews soon!

Ebates Round Up

If you are not a member of ebates.com you really should get with the program especially if you do a lot of shopping on-line.  Everytime you plan on making a purchase or for say you are browsing ulta.com, sephora.com, clinique.com for example, you should check to make sure your fave websites are on ebates.  Then you make a purchase and receive cash back for your purchases.  It's really no joke.  I just checked my account and I will be receiving $45.38 in my paypal account on February 15th.  Not a bad deal...

So check it out.  Your purchases will really add up and it's nice to get paid to shop.

CVS Haul

I know you all have been patiently awaiting!

 I'm happy to report that both Almay Pure Blends in buff and Almay line smoothing powder in light 100 are a perfect match!  Yay!  That never happens.  I keep telling myself to go back and buy the perfect shades while they are 75% off but alas, I haven't.  I truly have plenty and with a move in July, I want to lighten the load.

I may review the two separately but so far the pure blends has a nice buildable medium coverage and the line smoothing powder give you an airbrushed finish.  Lovely products, especially for the price.  I have yet to try the others.

I picked up these pigments on the second trip...

With coupons I paid literally nothing for these and that's truly why I picked them up.  I haven't tried them out but I can officially report that I am all set with eye shadows and pigments for probably the next 50 years...  Well that is quite an exaggeration but it will be quite difficult to justify any colors for the eye.  I just need to look through what I have and I probably have the same shade somewhere!

Look for some reviews in the near future!

My ZOYA trio

Can't wait for Edyta to arrive!

Kelly, Audrina and Jo

Prediction

I think 2011 is going to be the year of nail polish.  I'm absolutely obsessed.  Last year I was obsessed with eyeshadows and found a ton of mineral companies and this year since I have way too many eyeshadows, I'm switching to nail polish! 

I received my 3 free Zoya nail polishes and they are amazing.  I have one coat of Jo which is a fun periwinkle blue.  I need to finish before I show you some pictures.  But I also received Kelly a grey with a hint of purple and Audrina a fuchsia pink.  I also ordered Edyta but apparently it is backordered. 

What a promotional campaign!  Zoya's business is booming!

The colors for the Spring 2011 are just gorgeous.  $36 for the entire collection.  I love that they are formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate and camphor free. 

I'll get my nails straightened out and post some pictures!

Change in direction...

Or maybe a slight diversion.  I've beeen really into couponing lately as I am on break from school.  My sister has equally become a coupon enthusiast and has encouraged me to post some of my shopping adventures.  I'm still going to be doing reviews of course but hopefully you will enjoy reading about couponing!  I'm not that crazy, yet...  But he was my shopping adventure for today.

I shopped at Rite Aid to cash in on the Buy 1, Get 1 Free Special K.  I had 2 BOGO coupons for Special K.  So I bought 4 boxes for 60 cents and got back $4 in up rewards.  Don't know what up rewards are?  Rite Aid gives these rewards for certain purchases that you make.  Always check out the flyer before you go!  Rite Aid also has a wellness program, their version of a rewards program.  You sign up for and receive a card that the cashier will scan everytime you make a purchase.  They also have "video values" where you can watch 30 second commercials and receive coupons and credits.  20 credits and you will receive a $4 of $20 purchase.

So I am not a couponing expert.  There are so many out there.  Check out http://www.hip2save.com/  Colin posts deals step by step on the hour that you can follow.   She has other tips to help you get organized along with the coupon policies for all the drug stores, grocery stores and target.  I'm in the process of organizing a coupon binder from the Krazy Coupon Lady's website:  http://thekrazycouponlady.com/  Give yourself a couple hours to read through these 2 blogs and you'll be up to speed in no time.

So today for example, I shopped Rite Aid.  I bought the following items:

2 Special K Berries  BOGO coupon
2 Special K Original BOGO coupon
2 Aveeno Shampoo  2 $1.50/1 coupons
2 Aveeno Conditioner 2 $1.50/1 coupons

1 Aveeno baby lotion 1 $1.00/1
2 Pledge furniture polish 1 $1.50/2
2 Pledge Multi-surface Lost my 2 75 cents/1 coupons!
4 boxes Stayfree BOGO and 2 $1/1
1 Blink Tears $2/1
4 Purex 3-in-1 laundry sheets 2 $1/1

I split this purchase into 4 transactions...  You have to have patience and shop when there isn't a line behind you.  The reason for the split is that you want to pay as less money out of pocket (OOP) as you can.  You have to go into the prepared.  I have my list and my coupons.  With each transaction I received up rewards so applied these to the next transaction.

So for everything I paid $23 for all of the above items.  I have to send away for a $7.99 SCR and I got back $4 in up rewards for my next purchase.  So in total I bought all of the above items for $11.  Not bad if I do say so myself.   Well I could have done even better.  I bought a random nail polish for $1.99.  The color caught my eye and I forgot $1.50 in coupons.  So I could have bought everything for $7.50.  Oh well, I'm going to paint my nails now...

NOTD

I did these last night.  One coat over a base coat.  I'm going to put another coat on later in the day if the kids let me.  lol

This is AVON Nailwer Pro in Gunmetal, AVON's new shade for the Spring.  I sprayed on AVON Nail Experts Liquid Freeze about 5 minutes after application hence the shiny appearance of my fingers.  The Liquid Freeze is amazing.  It dries the nails quickly and mineral oil moisturizers your hands and cuticles.

FunnyFace Beauty Holiday Giveaway

And it is amazing...  So wish I could actually win something!  lol  Head over to FunnyFace Beauty!  Giveaway ends on January 11th!

Good luck!!!

NOTD

I know it's not Sunday but I'm on break and have been changing my nailpolish quite frequently.  Here's what I was wearing yesterday.  I took a picture of it this morning before it came off!

Just one coat and no base coat.  I bought this polish during the CVS clearance and I had a $1 off coupon.  Final price...  45 cents.  The shade is Pink Freeze.  I don't normally wear or purchase bright pinks but my daughter loves bright pink nail polish.  I think that this is her new favorite.

CVS ExtraCare Beauty Club

So if you have been living under a rock and haven't got yourself to CVS for the 75% off clearance sale, here's another reason to go.  CVS has announced the ExtraCare Beauty Club.

There are a ton of perks like the following:

10% off Beauty Shoping Pass for enrolling
$5 ECB for every $50 spent
$3 ECB on your birthday

So when I went to CVS the other day, I tore off a form of a tear pad and handed it to the cashier to scan.  Or you can fill out the form on-line.  Just have your Extra Care Card Number at the ready.  So when my receipt printed, at the end was a 10% off shopping pass coupon good towards my next purchase.  

So sweet.  We are already buying a ton of stuff there.  Why not get even more rewards?  Love CVS...

Oh one more thing, if you sign up by today, you'll be automatically entered to win a trip to the People's Choice Awards next year.  I was so confused.  I thought that it was this year and wondering how they were going to pick a winner that fast and fly them out there.  I signed up yesterday.  lol  Duh, next year.

Did you watch the award show last night?  Thoughts?