Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Another Product Endorsement for Which I Will Not be Compensated - Double Review Edition!

It's  been a long time since I've reviewed anything here, but beauty technology burns on, and I've encountered two products that I really like! So here we go:

Kat Von D's Tattoo Lock It Foundation
I recently ordered some items from Sephora and received a sample of this new product. To my surprise, it also happens to be in my perfect shade: 48, Light.

I didn't even know about the product - that it is light enough for daily wear, but substantial enough to cover tattoos - when I tried it. I just knew I needed an oil free foundation without SPF (I'm allergic to it on my face) and that the brand I used the last two years was recently discontinued.

This foundation covers, covers, covers and lasts, lasts, lasts. You don't need much of it at all to get a really nice, smooth base for your other makeup. I went without concealer for the first time ever. Nice, dense pigments delivered in a creamy, liquid base delivered perfect performance all day. I only needed to apply powder to my nose midday and looked great right up until the time I exercised. (Which is always when all hell breaks loose because I sweat like a mutha when I bike.)

I ordered the full size version today and while I'm not a big fan of Kat Von D (how in the hell could she get with that Jesse James douche knowing what a piece of crap biggot he is?) I really love this product and will buy it as long as it's available. My skin is very good (fortunately) but the addition of this foundation makes it look really nice and even more even.

Revlon's Color Stay Nail Polish (including separate top and base coats)
I recently took off my acrylic nails after 7 months of wear. It was just time. I started not liking how they looked and couldn't commit to spending an hour in the salon every three weeks...too much to do! So, I considered gel nails, I considered buying my own at-home version, and then I read that this new product from Revlon delivered up to 11 days of wear.

I asked the lovely clerk at Walgreens if the base and top coat were required to get the advertised results, and she said she and the other gals tested it after a customer returned to buy the other parts after getting poor results with the color alone. I didn't want to spend $7.99 each, but she said they were actually a dollar off (she was positioning signs when I approached her) and she had coupons to give me another dollar off each part.

I applied the polish to my short natural nails this morning and wow! Great coverage and I've already typed all day and done some housework tonight, and showered and not a chip or ding in sight.

I'll update after a few days have gone by to let you know if I think the 11 day estimate is achievable, but I can say that my at home manicures seldom make it a day without some sign of wear and tear.

So, that's the scoop! Get out there and give these products a try! I'm off to make my healthy whole wheat pizza that has been my mainstay during my diet...this is what Houdini and I nosh on while Steinvic is away! Extra good...I'm gonna get cookin'!

Sunday, August 5, 2012

A Little Older, A Lot Wiser

Never ever thought more than a month and a half would go by without me posting at least something here! I've been writing regularly at the weight loss sight, and the most magnificent things have happened as a result...I have tons of followers and the comments they make let me know that I'm reaching people and helping to support their efforts.

I don't know what this means for my future, or the future of this place, but I may have found an interest I didn't know I had - helping people get healthy.

For my own progress, I'm down 28 pounds. I just celebrated my 41st birthday, and I can honestly say, I'm in the best place I've ever been in my life! It's only getting better, too. I'm making it that way.

My birthday celebration was stellar. Steinvic had been out of town for work, but came home the evening of my special day and was waiting for me to get home. He and Houdini had the coffee table loaded with thoughtful gifts: XO Cafe Patron liquor, the Big Glug size of Pinnacle Whipped vodka, workout clothes that are perfectly coordinated (down to three different lengths of bottoms - shorts, capris and track pants) so that I don't feel like a bum when I'm on the bike, and Emporio Armani sport sunglasses (which also match the workout clothes, coincidentally...) All lovely and appreciated! And Steinvic shooed me upstairs with a cocktail to change clothes because we were going to dinner. When I came down, he let me know that there was one more gift...

"The ladies at work thought I was crazy when I told them what I got you, but I told them they didn't know my girl," he said, turning on the water and flipping the wall switch for the garbage disposal.

I jumped up and down, thanking him and kissing him...that thing has been broken for six months and has been a great source of anxiety for me...I wanted to save money by doing it myself, but was afraid I'd mess everything up. I knew it would cost hundreds to have a pro do it. And weekend fun got in the way of doing it a dozen times, so we just made do. Now we have a nice, new, awesome one that Steinvic picked out and a friend of ours installed. WHOO HOO! So stoked!

We went to Marlin & Rays for dinner...a newish seafood place in our neighborhood and it was really good! We met some friends at our local and they wanted to stay and stay, so I offered, "You're welcome to come by our place if you want..." and they DID! We beat them here just in time to tidy up, pour drinks, light candles and I went out back to check on things and there was yet another present waiting for me on the table...

Sweetest card ever, and in the box, a new Movado watch. Absolutely exquisite! It means so much to me for a hundred reasons...I once had one, and Steinvic wanted me to have a watch that would make me feel proud. I'm not materialistic, but damn, I love that watch!

It was a great birthday. I've had a fantastic year. I'm stronger, healthier, thinner, happier and better than ever. Wiser. What matters is more clear every day.

I'll add links to the watch and restaurant later, but I wanted to get this out here...so infrequently on the computer when I'm home.

But I'm not full on ditching...I'll be back!