Leah Tackles

October 21, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Thank you for being here : ) Halloween is in 10 days, and like ir or not it is time to start seriously thinking about your holiday shopping! I want to share some gift guides with you, but would like to ask what you would like to see! So if there is a certain demographic you’re wanting ideas for, please comment and let me know! I love comments ; ) Today I decided to start by sharing one gift idea for each person in my immediate family, but I have a lot more ideas to share. If you enjoy this, please tell me and I will make it a weekly or bi-weekly series as we enter the holiday season.

Tarte Greatest Glitz Collector’s Set & Portable Palettes

$49

How gorgeous as this?! Any women in your life from teens on up would adore this! I love that you could even gift the palettes seperately as stocking stuffers or small gifts, or give the whole set for a fabulous gift for one lucky lady. This set has great pigmentation, and I love that it’s seperated into palettes that have colors that you would use together instead of a giant palette, because I think it’s less intimidating for those who may not be as comfortable with makeup.

Mantry Box

$75 for one box

Stephan got a 3 month subscription of this from my parents back in 2012, and we haven’t got it since because it *is* pretty pricy, but if you have a guy who is hard to shop for I think this is a fun idea! Both Steph and I loved these boxes, and we found our favorite pepperoni EVER, and some incredible fudge sauce that we have re-ordered. My only issue with this box is that the only really discount I’ve seen offered is they offer free shipping if you order a 3 or 6 month subscription. Still, very yummy and something different.

Sophie & Lili Handmade Mermaid Dolls

$20 for the mini

Hailey, who is almost 4 1/2, got a custom Sophie & Lili doll year and it’s so special! She calls her Hailey doll, and one of Santa’s elves worked very hard on her. This year I am hoping Santa will have that same elf make her a mermaid ; ) I love that they offer a mini one that’s half the price of the bigger one! She has adorable custom dolls, watercolors, and super hero boys! I just wish the boys could be custom and not only custom super heros. These are so well made, and she was great to work with!

ALEX Toys Little Hands String a Farm

$15

My 2 almost 3 year old, Connor, is really working on things that need lots of hand-eye coordination and finally I found a stringing toy that has a wood piece for the “needle” to make it a bit easier than floppy string. *Tip: Pipe cleaners from the craft section are also a great way to practice this and kids love it!

ALEX Toys ALEX Jr. My Busy Town Cube

$72

No, this post is not sponsored by ALEX Toys! I just have been loving their toys lately. We have so many big toys, but our baby, Logan, has Christmas and his first birthday coming up, and this is on our list for him. It gets great reviews, and has lots of activities in one. And how cute would this look under the tree!? I think the kids would all want to play with this! Zulily has stuff like this a lot, so I need to keep checking back!

Be sure to let me know what items are on YOUR list in the comments!! Have a great weekend!

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IPSY GLAM BAG | OCTOBER 2015

October 19, 2015 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

The middle of the month always means the same thing, IPSY TIME! I was so excited to rip open this months bag and decided to do it as a blog post instead of a video. If you’d like to see my Ipsy videos you can here on my YouTube channel. If there is a subscription service you would like for me to review or share with you, please let me know in the comments!

IPSY GLAM BAG OCTOBER 2015:

Theme:

Alter Ego

Bag:

It isn’t my favorite, but it’ll get the job done and I will use it. I do love these bags, they are handy for so many things when organizing or traveling.

Delectable Ultra Nourishing Hand Cream in Coconut Cream:

I was thrilled when I saw this because I needed a new hand cream now that it is getting to be colder and my hands are extra dry. This smells amazing and is really thick and feels pretty luxurious. I will have to see how it works though, because I’ve only used it once.

Aurora Gel Effect Nail Lacquer in Inky Dinky:

I have been wanting to try more gel formula nail polishes, and I love this deep navy color! And how cute is the name?! I believe this is full size too, which is fantastic. I think that there is also a gel top coat that you are supposed to use as a second step, which I don’t have, but I will test it out with a clear top coat.

Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion:

I love Dr. Brandt Pores No More primer, and I’ve also tried this Microdermabrasion before and enjoyed it. It’s a decent sample, and I’ll be able to get 5 or more uses out of it.

The Balm Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Committed:

I LOVE The Balm!! It is the makeup that the salon used for my wedding over five years ago, and ever since I’ve been hooked. I also am loving this liquid lipstick trend, and think that this color is a really great nude for fall. I think this is a very wearable color, and has a little bit of that 90’s lip trend going on, which I am a fan of.

Emite Make Up Tweezers:

I tested these out and they seem to work really well! I love that they have a little case, and it’s a lot sturdier than the cases that other tweezers I have are packaged in, but the lid doesn’t seem to stay on : ( I think mine is maybe just broken, but it’s a tiny bummer.

Overall:

I love this month! If you are interested, you can find out more about Ipsy here! I am thinking of canceling my Ipsy bag so that I can get Nature Box to open with Stephan : ) Let me know what you think!! Have a great start to your week! Don’t forget I post every Monday and Wednesday!

HAILEY’S FIELD TRIP TO THE PUMPKIN PATCH!

October 14, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Today Hailey took her first “real” field trip, and by “real” I mean first field trip where they took a bus there ; ) I went along with several other parents, and I am so glad I did. Today instead of the blog post I had originally set to go up, I decided to share a few pictures of Hailey’s Pre-K field trip to the pumpkin patch.

If you enjoy these types of posts, please let me know! Thank you for letting me share my family with you. If you ever feel nosy, feel free to check out our daily vlogs ; ) Please subscribe! xo

DARK LIP STAIN THAT DOESN’T KISS OFF!

October 12, 2015 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a great weekend! We did some fall activities with the kids, and enjoyed beautiful sunshine all weekend long. I got to wear a new pair of boots (from Just Fab), rocked some dark lips, and enjoyed some cider! Fall perfection. Now, the dark lips I rocked I have to tell you guys about because it doesn’t transfer AT ALL! It’s amazing! I can kiss my babies, kiss my husband, drink my Starbucks, and eat a donut without getting dark lipstick everywhere or without is wearing off.

Stiff Upper Lip Moonstruck Minerals Lip Stain by Younique:

Thoughts Before Trying:

I didn’t even know the Younique made anything but the 3D Fiber Mascara that they’re famous for (P.S Stay tuned for a video on that on my YouTube channel soon! I’ve always disliked Fiber mascara) until a few months ago. Kassie, a Younique distributer, reached out to me on Facebook and asked if I had tried any of the lip products, and hooked me up with a lip stain for consideration and review. Another girl, Megan, makes great YouTube videos showing off Younique products.

Review:

This stuff is AHHH-MAZING! I swatched this on my arm and it didn’t budge, even after rubbing it vigorously, all day long! I tested this out on my lips with chapstick or with nothing on them, and it lasted a very long time with both! I exfoliated my lips the second day before I put it on, and noticed that that really helped so that as it wore it didn’t wear off in patches at all. This stays on and doesn’t transfer off! I avoid dark lipsticks, even though I love them, because I am constantly cuddling and kissing little loves, but I can kiss them with this on without them being covered in lip product.

Swatch Immediately After Being Applied:

Swatch After Drying:

Stiff Upper Lip Lip Stain in Sultry On My Lips:

Check Out Kassie On Facebook!!

Thank you so much for reading! If you have any suggestions for great long wearing fall and winter lip colors that don’t kiss off, please let me know!! See you Wednesday!! Muah!

TOP SINGLE EYE SHADOW PICKS FOR ONE SHADOW LOOKS

October 7, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I wear makeup most days, and sometimes I only can spend a few minutes on my makeup, so I love having my favorite single eye shadows that I can swipe on my lids for a really easy look. If you have a favorite single shadow, please let me know what it is! I love comments!! ; )

1. M.A.C Paint Pot in Bare Study

This cream shadow makes a gorgeous base for eye shadows, but I also will swipe it on my lids for a super easy look. I have to always have this with me when I travel, too.

2. Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 Hour Eye Shadow in Inked in Pink

I use this alone on my lids ALL the time! I actually had this on the day before Logan was born, and it survived a drug-free labor ; ) I am planning to buy several more of these before our Disney trip so that I can wear a little makeup but only spend a few minutes doing it.

3. Elf Long-Lasting Lustrous Eyeshadow in Toast

How stunning is this color?! BAM! The texture of these eye shadows remind me of the Bouncy Blushes from Maybelline, and it’s again a very easy, very pigmented eye shadow.

4. L’Oreal Paris 24 Hour Infallible Eye Shadow in Iced Latte

The Infallible shadows are hugely popular, and for good reason! This might be my absolute favorite single shadow, and you can usually find them for buy one get one 50% off.

5. Urban Decay Single Shadow in Free Love

I just hauled this gorgeous metallic-y peach eye shadow in my Big Sephora Haul video, and I have worn it for almost a week straight! I love putting this into my crease with a fluffy brush for a look that looks like you spent a lot of time, but actually only took a minute!

If you liked this style of post, please let me know! I hope that you have a fantastic rest of your week and weekend! xx

Simple Ways To Get Active With Your Kids!

October 5, 2015 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a fantastic weekend!

Hailey came home from school a couple of weeks ago and when I asked if she did anything fun in school she said, “Yes! Yoga!” I was amazed (how 2015!) but loved it! I think we all know that it’s important to teach kids to eat well and to exercise, but what does that really mean? Well, to me that should start as early as possible! Our kids see us exericse, and eat healthy (usually!) and we try to show them how fun being active can be. Today I want to share a few simple ways for you to get active with your kids, but these would work on your own too ; )

1. Have a Dance Party

This is without a doubt my go-to move with the kids when we are starting to get stressed, frazzled, or need a break! I turn on some music, and we all dance!

2. Walk While You Wait

If we are early to practice or have time where we would just be sitting, I try to do laps or walk around with my kids. It doesn’t always stop tantrums, but it usually helps and you sneak a little exercise in too.

3. Have Your Kids Teach You

I try to always ask what Hailey learned at practice, and sometimes I ask her to teach me. She gets much more excited about kicking a ball if she’s teaching me how to do it.

4. Play At The Kids Place

If you can bounce at the bounce house (HELLO calorie burn!) or climb through the tubes at a play place, do it! I still remember my dad crawling through the tubes with me and I did the same with Hailey a few months ago. *Sidenote: Dad! Thank you! My knees KILLED doing that, but Hailey was so excited.

5. Get Active Hobbies

Take your kids on a date (or your signicant other or friend!) to go ice skating, ride horses, or go hiking. You will have awesome memories and foster a love for physical activity.

6. Keep Up With Them

This is the simpliest of all, but it is so true! No, I am not at all perfect and sometimes I do sit back or scroll on my phone, but I try to make a real effort to play with my kids. If you have ever seen a kid run, jump, climb, and run some more, you know it’s a major workout.

Let me know your ideas for working in an active lifestyle in the comments! Thank you for reading : ) Please subscribe and share!

BECCA x JACLYN HILL SHIMMERING SKIN PERFECTOR HIGHLIGHT IN CHAMPAGNE POP-WORTH THE HYPE?

September 30, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you’re having a great week! Thank you for stopping by my blog today : )

I watch more YouTube than I do T.V, and I also have two YouTube channels, so I was really excited when I heard that Jaclyn Hill (a hugely popular beauty guru on YouTube) was collabing with Becca cosmetics to make her very own highlight. The Becca highlights have been popular for awhile now, but I just wasn’t sure I could justify the price. And even though I was excited that Jaclyn was making her own shade, I’ll admit I wasn’t sure it would be worth it. I’m just going to throw out the mystery right now…this highlight is the perfect highlight! I am absolutely adoring it.

Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop

beccacosmeticsjaclynhill-champagnepop-highlight-leahtackles.jpeg

I have had highlighters that I’ve loved, and I’ve had highlighters that I’ve liked, but oh my goodness this highlight! I have never had a highlight that is so, “Bam!”. It looks incredible on the skin, incredible on camera, incredible in natural lighting, and I get compliments on my makeup whenever I wear it. I also have very fair skin, and was worried that the “champagne” shade wouldn’t work on my skin, but it’s absolutely stunning. I’ve seen this swatched on so many people and it’s beautiful every time. My only word of warning would be to use a very light hand, a very very little goes a long way. I sweep this on my cheekbones but not too terribly close to my eye so that it doesn’t bring attention to any lines. Go get this before they are gone!! I really want to try another Becca highlight now, so if you have any suggestions please let me know!

Have a fun weekend with those who you love!! xx

IPSY GLAMBAG | SEPTEMBER 2015

September 28, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! Mine was nice, but wow did it go by too fast! Monday always comes too soon! Over the weekend I filmed my Ipsy Glam Bag first impressions video, but instead of just my first impressions, I had my husband open it! So, even though I haven’t done a blog post on my Ipsy bag in months, I thought it would be a fun idea to bring it back to the blog this month so those who prefer to read can see the goods! I will have the video up within a week on my YouTube Channel.

IPSY GLAM BAG

SEPTEMBER 2015

The Bag:

I really like the bronze / rosegold bag for this month.

The Goods:

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

I am excited about this! I already have a large tub of it from my PopSugar Must Have box from a few months ago, but I love this cream so I was happy to get a travel size.

Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

I am so excited about this! Brighten up and exfoliate?! Yes!

tréStique Mini Matte Lip Crayon in Nantucket Nude

I’m really excited about this! I got an eye shadow crayon from them a few months ago that I like a lot, and this seems great too! Very comfortable on the lips, and the color is a very wearable nude. I wore it over an EOS lip balm so the finish wasn’t so matte, and I really liked it.

ipsy NYX 01 Eye Shadow Trio

I was really happy to see a NYX product! I haven’t used the shadows yet, but they seem like very pretty colors and a perfect item to travel with. They swatch well, the light taupe-y color has a beautiful shimmer and so does the medium brown! The black shadow is not as pigmented as black shadows in other palettes I have, but still usable for sure.

Sephora Formula X Nail Polish in Ignite

I LOVE nail polish, and this is my first of the Formula X polishes that came out last year. I am so excited to try this, and it’s a beautiful color for fall!

Final Thoughts:

Overall I am very happy with this months bag, I will use all of these items happily and think it’s well worth the $10. This bag marks 1 year of getting Ipsy, and $120 spent, and this bag has encouraged me to stick with it for at least a couple of more months.

Do you subscribe to Ipsy? If so, let me know what you got this month! And let me know if there are any other subscription services you’re loving. Have a great week!! xo

Are You Taking Advantage of These Walt Disney World Planning Secrets?

September 23, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

If you watch my families Daily Vlog Channel then it is no surprise that we LOVE Disney and are over-the-top excited to be heading there in a couple of months. No matter what your plans are for a Disney vacation, it’s Disney so it’s going to be magical, but today I want to share 5 things that I’ve learned about while planning for our big trip that are HUGELY helpful! These tips will give your trip an extra magical edge, a step up from just the basic, easy to come across information.

*Photo credit to InsideTheMagic.net

1. Disney Dining Buddy

In my post called 5 Things To Do BEFORE You Book Your Disney Vacation, I mentioned that dining needs to happen 180 days prior to your trip, which seems intense but even then some reservations are nearly impossible to get! I desperately wanted the Be Our Guest dinner reservation, but finding that for a party of 9 was just not possible even at 6a.m on our 180 day mark. Luckily, I had done my research and found out about “sniper services” that you pay not to book your reservation but to text and/or email alert you if the reservation you want becomes available. The cost is $8/reservation, and while it doesn’t promise that you’ll get an alert, it scans constantly and saves you from spending precious time on the website or the app. Time is money, people ; ) I have a few requests out that I haven’t booked yet, so I can keep you posted, but I got the most coveted Be Our Guest dinner, and couldn’t be more excited! *Note: There are other “sniper services” out there, but I’ve put a lot of time into checking them out, and this one seems to be the fastest for alerts and has the highest success rate.

*EDIT: Disney Dining Buddy has shut down! You can try Disney Dining Scout.

2. Facebook Planning Groups

No matter when your trip is, I am sure there is a Facebook group waiting for you to join! Most groups are by month, so for example you could search “Walt Disney World March 2016 Planning Group” and find something. They have these for cruises, too. This group is like my lifeline lately, any question I have? BAM! Someone, or several people, have an answer or idea. Plus, it’s a fun way to get excited for your trip!

3. Touring Plans

I’ve been to Disney world before, but not in years, and never with 3 little loves of my own, so even though I had a million drafts of each days itinerary I was lost. Then came Touring Plans and the app to go along with it, Lines. You can use some features of the site for free or pay $12 for customized touring plans that optimize your schedule, you can schedule in breaks, change your plans and update, get real wait times, manage your reservations, and more. Yes, you get MyDisneyExperiecne for free, but this helps you make a plan with a map that is realistic, in an order of the park that makes sense, and in a way that fits your needs.

4. WDW Dining App

This is an awesome way to familiarize yourself with all of the dining options in all 4 of the parks, at the resorts, at Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney), both water parks, and all the resorts. This lists where the restaurant is located, average price range, type of food, a little about the resturant, and if they are quick service (walk-up) or table service (sit-down). And honestly I love to just get excited about all the delish food that we can enjoy!

5. CharacterLocator.com

This is the perfect guide for telling you where the characters are located and what times. This is awesome for planning your character interactions and knowing where to look for your kids (or your!) favorites. It has great information such as tips for when to line up for the shortest wait, and what characters don’t sign autographs. I would totally get photos with the characters even if I didn’t have kids : )

If you’re a Disney lover like me, please share your tips! If you found this post helpful, fun, interesting, or amazing, please share! All of my social media share buttons are at the bottom of every post to make it super easy : )

Makeup Free Monday!

September 21, 2015 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I talk about makeup a lot on this blog, and on my LeahTackles YouTube channel, but as a busy mom I don’t always have on perfectly winged eyeliner! ; ) Today I wanted to share a real, unedited, filter-free,iPhone photo of me with not a dab of makeup!

Today I traveled 250 miles with only a few hours sleep, I am recovering from a cold, and had a busy afternoon of appointments.

Tonight I cuddled up in bed with two of the men in my life and snapped this picture.

Feel free to share YOUR makeup free pictures with me on social media! All linked on this blog : )

Have a beautiful week!

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