A surprise package showed up at my door from Skinnygirl® Tastemakerswhich included a water bottle, coasters, a cute wine stopper and a cocktail making book. I purchased the Skinnygirl White Cranberry Cosmo to enjoy over the weekend.
I liked the White Cranberry Cosmo but found it to be quite sweet for my liking even though it's very low on calories. The website describes the
Cosmo as having hints of orange essence,
subtle lime, berry fruit notes and cranberry. The taste is delicious but I personally don't drink sweet cocktails so it was a little much for me (I'm more of a dirty martini girl). If you like drinks on the sweeter side, then I'm sure you'll enjoy this Cosmo.
I can't wait to try some of the new Skinnygirl® Vodkas they have out to make martinis such as The Bombshell recipe below.
Have you tried any of the Skinnygirl® alcoholic products?
I posted recently about some seasonal pumpkin beers I've tried recently. I know not everyone loves beer but K and I like trying different beers every weekend. I don't like heavy or dark beers so most of them are light and refreshing. This year I've also been on a major cider kick so here are some of my favorite beers and ciders that I've tried this year and loved:
I'm always trying new products especially as a blogger who reads lots of reviews and gets tempted to try that new face wash or mascara. Some products are a staple that I've been using for over ten years while others come and go depending if it works for me or not. Here are some products that are in my current rotation.
1. L'Oreal's Go 360 Clean, Deep Exfoliating Scrub: I love this face scrub and have been using it for about two years. The gentle beads work really well to fully clean your face without damaging your skin. Although I really like how it works, I was open to trying something new so I purchased Garnier's Clean + Balancing Daily Exfoliator which I think works equally well to gently wash and exfoliate your face at the end of the day to remove makeup and oil/dirt.
2. Cetaphil's Gentle Cleansing Bar has been in my rotation for over 10 years and I like to use it in the morning to wash my face before applying moisturizer and makeup to start the day. I know some people might be apprehensive because it is a bar of soap but it actually works really great to moisturize and balance out my combination skin. It doesn't dry out your skin like regular soap would do.
3.d.j.v. MIARAY Fiberwig Mascara: I just purchased this mascara a few weeks ago based on Sarah's recommendation and I think it works really well as a daytime mascara although I think it's equivalent to some more affordable drugstore brands such as Maybelline's Falsies. It doesn't cake up and gives a nice natural look which is great but it's not ideal for creating dramatic eyelashes for going out at night or to weddings etc.
4. The Body Shop's Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover: I've posted about this eye makeup remover before and it's been in my rotation for probably 15 years. I hate oil-based makeup removers that create a mess and leave your face feeling greasy. This one is the opposite to that. It's gentle as the name states and removes makeup quickly and leaves no residue. I've never found anything better so there's no need to try anything new.
5. Nyx Butter Gloss: I love this lip gloss and have it in 4 different colors. I'm not a fan of sticky glosses and this one is the perfect texture which provides shine while also moisturizing your lips. I've also repurchased the Eclair color a few times. It also helps that the price point is very affordable at only $5.
6. Joico Color Endure Shampoo and Conditioner: This shampoo and conditioner was recommended to me by Kerri and I really like the smell and how it works for color treated hair (the red bottles are specifically for blondes to prevent brassiness). It's still fairly new to me but so far I'm really liking how it works and leaves my hair feeling silky, smelling good and is helping my brassiness go away.
7. Yes To Grapefruit Rejuvenating Facial Wipes: I've probably tried every brand of facial wipes and never found a favorite. They've all been mediocre but I love the smell of the Grapefruit Yes To wipes and how it works to clean your face without leaving any residue. So far these wipes are probably my favorite.
8. Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Sun Damage Daily Moisturizer: I purchased this moisturizer a few months ago based on Kay's recommendation. I had been using an Oil of Olay face moisturizer for almost 10 years and was ready to try something new. Immediately I preferred the smell and consistency of the Garnier moisturizer compared to Oil of Olay. The lotion is thicker so I feel it provides better coverage while also being very moisturizing and providing daily SPF.
What are some of your favorite hair/skin/beauty products that have been in your rotation?
Out of the blue, I received a package from Influenster with a sample of Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs lotion (pictured on the right). I already had the Airbrush Legs Spray-On (on the left) so I'm familiar with the product. I was excited to test out the lotion because the spray-on stuff I bought was a little too dark for my complexion and it dries very quickly so it's not easy to rub in to tone down the color.
The light color that Influenster sent is much better suited for my skin complexion (how did they know?) and looks really natural on my legs. My goal for this summer was to work on my tan but the past few weeks of rain has seriously put a damper on any outdoor plans so my legs still fall in the fairly pale category. After applying the lotion though, they have a nice sun-kissed complexion which I really like.
I much prefer the lotion to the spray-on Airbrush Legs because it's easy to rub in and spreads evenly for a more natural look. I feel like the spray is a little messier to apply but it also doesn't help that I purchased the wrong color. What I like about both products is that they're water resistant so it doesn't run or make a mess if you happen to encounter humid weather or sweat in the summer heat.
I've worn the lotion out and about a few times and it lasted all day so I will purchase the lotion when the small tube runs out and probably give away the spray-on can to a friend with slightly darker skin (Kate, you want it?). Oh and yes that is an old faded tattoo on my ankle from college days, if you were wondering. It desperately needs to get a touch-up.
Have you used any of Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs products before? What did you think?
The
sample size Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs lotion was given to me
complimentary from Influenster to test and review. The review above is
my own honest opinion.
Amanda is an independent consultant from Jamberry who I've been working with to get fun nail wrap designs for different occasions. I recently posted my sparkly and festive nails for 4th of July weekend. I love that there are so many colors and designs to choose from and they aren't damaging to your nails. Plus they take only a few minutes to apply instead of going to a nail salon which can take 45 minutes or more. I wanted to introduce Amanda and Jamberry products on my blog for anyone unfamiliar with it or looking for new ways to spunk up their nails.
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Hi, my name is Amanda. I was born and raised in the Maryland area about a stones throw from Washington, DC. My husband, our three kids, and I have lived in the Orlando area for over five years. I do miss the cold sometimes, but don't miss snow storms! I love Jesus, spending time with my family, reading, watching TV and movies, Washington Redskins Football, and watching other sports as well.
What are Jamberry nails wraps?
Jamberry Nail Wraps are an alternative to polish and expensive salon visits! They are high quality, vinyl, heat and pressure sealed nail wrap that last for up to two weeks on your fingernails and up to four weeks on your toes! They are made in America, vegan friendly, gluten free, and non toxic with no dry time or chipping. They can be used on artificial nails and will not harm natural nails either. They're even safe for the little ones fingers and toes as well. They come in over 300 designs to fit the style and taste of everyone!
What made you decide to become a Jamberry Independent Consultant?
I was first introduced to Jamberry by a close friend from high school. I really loved how gorgeous all of the designs were, but I wasn't sure it would work for me because I had short brittle nails from years of nail biting. Plus, nothing ever lasted on my nails except acrylic or gel, so I didn't think these nail stickers would either. I was hooked when they stayed on for 8 days with no issues! Everyday I am constantly washing my hands, changing diapers, cleaning, doing laundry, and I am really rough on my nails. I was really impressed with them and decided to join for the 30% discount. A year later I have a wonderful team of 17 ladies I work beside and I love it.
What do you love the most about selling Jamberry nail wraps?
The thing I love the most about selling Jamberry, is that I don't sell it. I share it. I share the opportunity and a great product with people daily. I also love the opportunity Jamberry gives to help empower women to run their own businesses and dream big. I love showing people an affordable option that is stylish and practical. I also love that I don't have to have any inventory and that they can be ordered directly from the website and shipped right to your home from the warehouse in Utah.
Interested in learning more about the opportunity and joining my Jam Family? Click here.
How are Jamberry nail wraps applied?
The application method is pretty simple! That is one thing I am thankful for because I typically squeeze my application in once a week when I am catching up on TV shows I have recorded. You can watch our application video here or watch it and see the graphic below!
Also two IMPORTANT tips:
- Never touch the adhesive part of the wrap with your fingers or skin. You risk getting oils on the adhesive which can interfere with the ability of the wrap to bond with your nail.
- Always err on the side of using a smaller wrap. We like to say embrace the small gap. A good fit typically has a small gap and no one will notice anyway because it's on the side of your nails. This ensures it doesn't touch your skin or cuticles.
Are Jamberry nail wraps waterproof?
This is a definite yes! When they are applied correctly Jamberries are water proof. I have Jamsisters in Hawaii who live in the ocean and they get the same amount of wear as I do as a Mom who cleans and does dishes without gloves!
How long will the nail wrap application last?
An application should last up to two weeks on fingers and four weeks on toes when properly applied. I am not the best at waiting the full two weeks because I like change, so I normally change them out each week. The best part is even when you're ready to change them, they still look great!
What are some of your favorite nail wrap designs?
This is a hard question because I have so many! I love the Autism Awareness wraps because my son and daughter both have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Plus, Jamberry gives $2 of every Autism Awareness Wrap sold, back to the Autism Society of America. I am typically a big fan of mixing and and matching different designs and colors, but I still love classic and neutral looks as well!
I have two favorite removal methods! One is using our Lacquer Removerand there is a video here. It's so easy and normally go to method because it leaves my nails smooth and clean afterwards. My second favorite is the Gentle Removal Method pictured below. It's easy as well and healthy for your nails.
Are Jamberry nail wraps kid-friendly?
They are very kid-friendly. They have designs called Jamberry Juniors that are perfect for little fingers and toes. Because Jamberries are non toxic you don't have to worry about exposing your little one to any harmful chemicals.
Jamberry is only available through the Jamberry website itself, so you can order them here.
Thank you so much for having me, Emily! I really appreciate the love! You can enter the giveaway below! a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Thanks Amanda! I really enjoyed learning more about Jamberry nails and I LOVE the Mermaid Tails nail wrap design! Those are definitely going to be my next purchase!
I was so excited to try out Jamberry nail wraps for 4th of July weekend this year and I picked out a festive and patriotic design called Ka Boom. I was nervous about the application process because I tend to have shaky hands and always mess up nail polish when attempting to apply with my left hand. That wasn't the case with these nail wraps and they applied very easily even with my slightly shaky hands.
After speaking with Amanda who is a Jamberry Nail Consultant, I found out a few additional benefits of using Jamberry wraps including the fact that they're non-toxic, very cost effective compared to going to a nail salon, and come in so many beautiful designs for any type of occasion.
The package came with my Ka-Boom design nails wraps in 9 different sizes (18 total wraps however I can get two uses out of one wrap since my nails are fairly short), a manicure set (nail file, buffer, clippers, etc.), two alcohol wipes, a mini heater, and a top coat nail polish along with a cute Jamberry pouch to store everything in one place.
Jamberry provides several videos that I recommend watching before getting started such as this video with application instructions along with reading the process overview below. It literally takes seconds to apply each wrap so it's not a time-consuming or frustrating process by any means.
I love how my nails turned out and it was so fun wearing this design for the 4th of July while on a trip to Vegas. I'm so happy I have enough wraps left to re-wear this design and I'll be sure to order additional designs for future weddings, vacations, parties etc.
Some other designs that I want to try in the future now that I have the full set up with mini-heater and manicure set.
My personal friend owns BlingedOutPet.com and since Lola already outgrew her puppy collar, I needed to get her a new everyday collar and then decided a sparkly collar would be great for special occasions. Yes, I am that pet mom. Every girl needs a casual outfit and then one for fancy occasions so why not our furbabies?
I reached out to Laura to get one of her rhinestone collars made for Lola. The crystals are sewn and glued on to the collar for stability and she includes extra crystals in case any need to be replaced. The collars also come in a variety of sizes and colors.
I picked a pink medium-sized collar with 4-rows of rhinestones which is so pretty and gets tons of compliments. These collars are perfect for show dogs or just spoilt ones like Lola.
After telling Laura about my blog and that I was thinking of posting a review on her collars, she generously offered the coupon code EMILY to give my readers 20% off the retail price.
