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Friday, August 24, 2012

Latest and Greatest from Sephora

I decided I needed a little Sephora love the other day, so I hopped online and did some shopping! Here's what I got....

For a grand total of just under $60, I received my favorite Clinique Moisture Surge tinted moisturizer, Smashbox eyeshadow quad in "Hazel", Jose Maran cleansing oil and moisturizer, Algenist firming lotion (used 100 of my Sephora points for this), and the usual three free samples that Sephora always includes--Benefits Hello Flawless Brightening makeup, Lacoste cologne and Bumble and Bumble conditioner.
I love this eyeshadow quad~


It was also on sale, I think for $10. A great deal! Smashbox always has great colors, good pigment and goes on evenly.

My only thumbs down was the Jose Maran cleanser and lotion. This is one of the new-ish fads, oil cleanser from Argan oil. I have very dry skin so I thought it would be good. Not so good. It was super super oily, felt weird on my skin and didnt rinse clean. Oh and it got in my eyes and did not remove my eye makeup well. I like a cleanser that is all in one with cleansing and removing eye makeup. I don't have the time or inclination to remove makeup separately. I do like the moisturizer, its a little heavy but for my dry skin it works. If you have any kind of combination skin, I would not recommend it.

Sephora always offers free shipping over $50, three free samples with every order, and you accumulate points that you can save for bigger items or use to try new stuff! They have really good sales and weekly specials too! I've always had the best customer service from them as well, which is huge to me. Go check them out!

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Sad days.....

It's been awhile since I've blogged. I just haven't felt up to it, and honestly time constraints have been hellish at my house lately.

Part of the reason I haven't felt up to it is our family had to say goodbye to a very special part of our household. Our little dog, Bella, had to be put down. She was struggling with a heart condition and kidney failure, and at almost 14 years old, I couldn't bear to watch her go through the pain anymore.

Bella was a Brussels Griffon, a feisty little breed with a big dog attitude. She was a Christmas gift from my mom to my daughter, but ended up as more of a family dog. We all loved her dearly.

Bella and my Australian Cattle Dog, Trace, were best friends. We used to call them the Dynamic Duo. Where ever one went, the other followed. They were inseparable. Even at the end when she was grouchy and didn't want any of the other dogs near her, she and Trace would always sleep together on the dog beds. Bella was very brave when Trace was around, she would go after any big dog she saw-as long as she could run and hide behind Trace when they came at her!! He was her friend and protector, and even though they fought like human siblings sometimes, I can see how much he misses her.

Its hard to imagine how much space a little six pound dog can take up in a person's home and heart. Its hard to imagine life without her, and even though I still have three dogs, my house feels empty. Letting them go when its time is the most difficult part of pet ownership, and I strongly believe it is one of our biggest responsibilities. We hold onto them, perhaps for longer than we should, because WE can't bear to let them go. But we have to be able to see and hear what they are trying to tell us when they are tired, and they are ready.

I held Bella in my arms at the vet. I told her she had been a very good girl, that we loved her and we were so grateful to her for being a part of our lives. I told her it was okay to go, that she would be able to run again now, free of all the pain and suffering she'd gone through these last months. I know some people don't believe dogs go to heaven, but I have to believe it. Their little souls are so pure, so clean and light, how can they not?

I made a video of our Bella, just my way of saying goodbye and remembering her.....


The song, "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol, is a favorite of my sons, and he has always said he was pretty sure it was about a dog. So I thought it would be a fitting background song. We will miss our Bella bug, and we won't ever forget her. She was a wonderful addition to our family. Rest in Peace.




Always in our hearts. We love you.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Latest Birchbox

This month's Birchbox was a good one, with some unique goodies and full size treats!

I was happy to see Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner-full size and featuring a pen style applicator that makes it easy to get that cat-eye look. I am not so talented with the liquid eyeliner, but I'm excited to give this one a shot!

Harvey Prince "Hello" perfume sample-This has a blend of meyer lemon, white grapefruit and pink plumeria. I thought for sure I'd love it, since my fragrance choices usually have citrus or vanilla tones, but the plumeria was a bit overpowering.

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint-A nice little sample of tinted moisturizer. I have used various tinted moisturizers over the years, topped with a light touch of mineral powder. It works well, giving a finished look without the cakiness of too much heavy foundation and/or powders.

Color Club Blue-Ming polish-New nail polish is always fun, and I was quick to  try this one out:

I added a little "bling" to it (which promptly fell off while I was at work, oh well....). Turqoise and blue shades are super popular right now, and add pop to any outfit!

Earbuds-A pair of neon earbuds for your favorite playlist. I'll hang onto them, although I prefer the fancier ones that wrap around my ear, otherwise they just fall out when I run.

The other "extra" in the sample pack was listed as Tea Forte Mint tea on the card, but instead I got a sample Lara bar in Bananas Foster. It was yummy!

If you haven't checked out Birchbox yet, be sure to do so. For $10 a month, you get a box of goodies every month, which is a really good way to check out new products. Their website also offers tutorials, specials and other deals.