Leah Tackles

Bonus Post! Pictures of my family on Easter Sunday 2014

April 22, 2014 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy TUESday!

I usually post on a Monday/Wednesday/Friday schedule, but I wanted to throw in a little bonus post today with a few pictures of my family on Easter Sunday! We had a great day starting with baskets, then church, and then over to my in-laws for an egg hunt before Easter dinner. We got a few sweet pictures of our kiddos, and then my husband, Stephan, snapped a few quickly of me before dinner! I hope that you enjoy them and have a fabulous week! XO

My 2-year-old (almost 3!), Hailey, hunting for eggs!

My Husband and our 1- year -old, Connor, after dinner! Can you say TWINS?!?

It is still pretty chilly here, but at least the ground is mostly snow-free!

Oh Hiiii iPhone-that-is-sticking-out-of-my-back-pocket…thanks for making an appearance ; )

Peek-a-boo : )

I hope that you enjoyed this little look into our day! Thank you so much for reading and please subscribe by entering your email into the box on the right…I promise it’s easy!!

APRIL 2014 BEAUTY HAUL!!

April 21, 2014 & 4 Comments

Hi There! Happy Monday!

I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend and a wonderful Easter for those who celebrate! Today I have a collective beauty haul from the past several weeks to share with you that is mostly drugstore with a few other random beauty related things tossed in. This haul is largely made up of concealers and lip products, but that’s really no surprise because those are two of my favorite beauty items to try and to shop for. I have created a Luvocracy collection with all of these items if you’d like more information or want to shop online, and once again all the titles below are also links! If you enjoy this haul, please subscribe to my blog by entering you email in the subscribe box on the right side of this page! Super easy! Okay, let’s get started…

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser in Brightener

I love the Maybelline Insant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser in Fair and wanted to try the brightener. The brightener is a pinky salmon color that is the perfect shade to wear underneath your under eye concealer to help really counteract the dark circles underneath your eyes. This product twists and you hear a click sound as it pushes product to the sponge applicator. I dot the product on but then blend with a brush or sometimes with my fingers. I don’t tend to get puffiness under my eyes, but I do battle bad dark circles (hellooo mom two of toddlers!) and love anything that can help to hide them!

Revlon Colorstay Concealer in 01 Fair

I’ve heard great things about this concealer and heard that it compares to the Nars Creamy Concealer, so when I saw it on sale at my local grocery store, I decided to pick it up and give it a try. It comes out on a wand applicator, which I really like because I can dot it on and then use a makeup brush to blend it out. I love love love my Revlon Colorstay foundation, so I am hoping that I love this just as much.

Hard Candy Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer with Concealer Pencil in Ultra Light

This is supposed to be a very heavy duty concealer that can cover anything! It comes in a tube and I can tell that it’ll last a long time because you only need a tiny tiny dab because it is so thick. I haven’t tried it for the under eye area yet, but I do think it’s a product where you’ll want to prime the under eye first and then gently set it with a brightening power. It also comes with a pencil which it says is to outline birth marks or tattoos before covering them, but I’m going to try to find some other uses for that as well.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 805 Kissable Pink

I picked this up because I wanted another everyday pink color in my collection. It is a bit more sheer than expected, but a very pretty neutral pink color with just enough shine, but no glitter. I thought it would be a little more buildable, but I don’t mind so far because it’s a great color to just toss into your bag and not have to worry too much when you apply it. This doesn’t seem to have any taste or scent. It is very moisturizing, so the color doesn’t last too long, but it feels great on the lips.

L’Oreal Colour Riche’ Caresse in 176 Sunset Angora

This is a sheer, moisturizing lip color that is in the same family as the Revlon Lip Butters or the Maybelline Color Whisper lip products. The color is very pretty, a very wearable coral-y, muted orange.

Maybelline Color Sensational Color Elixir in 005 Breathtaking Apricot

The packaging almost makes this look like a lipstick, but it’s actually a lipgloss! It has a short applicator with a doe-foot applicator. The formula seems pretty thick, so we will see how the wear goes. I am really excited to try this lip gloss, and I think that the color will be great for summer.

Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids in 885 Vibrant Mandarin

I love the Maybelline Color Sensational lipsticks and really wanted to try out something in the orange color that is so on trend for spring and summer 2014. I wasn’t quite brave enough to try the Electric Orange color in the Vivids lineup, so I opted for this more coral-y orange color. It is very bright and I can’t wait to try it!

L’Oreal Limited Edition Collection Privee in 600 Doutzen’s Nude

I have been swooning over these lipsticks since I saw the pictures released online about a month ago. It is part of a collection of nude lipsticks and each lipstick shade is designed for one of their celebrity ambassadors. The matte black packaging with the pretty gold detailing looks very chic, and I love the touch of having the L’Oreal ambassadors signature printed on the lipstick tube. These do have the smell that some probably won’t like…it smells like an old-fashioned lipstick or very floral purfume you’d expect a grandmother to have in her handbag. This is a sheer, very light, cool toned baby pink with shimmer, and not like anything I have in my collection.

L’Oreal Limited Edition Collection Privee in 620 Julianne’s Nude

This is such a beautiful peachy toned neutral lipstick and it feels great on the lips! I have already worn this and know I’ll reach for it often.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

I always use these along with an eye make-up remover before cleansing my face at night (shown in a picture above).

Essential Tools 12 Rainbow Applicators

I picked these up to have to use for my nails as shown in my Nail Polish Tutorial-How to Avoid Brush Strokes with Frost Formula Polish post (shown in a picture above).

Pack of Plastic Mascara Spoolies

I bought these on ebay but you can also get them at Sally’s Beauty Supply or another store like that. I use these for my eyebrows and also for combing through my eyelashes before and after I apply mascara. They are super cheap and great to have on hand (shown in a picture above).

First Aid…Made Fun! Me4kidz.com

These little kits came in my kiddos Citrus Lane boxes a month or so ago, and we love them! We also already had the Diaper Bag Buddy (not shown) that I keep in a bag my husband uses when he has the kids. The pink box came with a little nail kit that my daughter loves and I like because the polish is water based. The green kit came with a little first aid kit that is perfect to keep in your car or diaper bag.

Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo

This was a gift from my mom and I can’t wait to try it out! I love dry shampoos and I am looking forward to trying out a more high end dry shampoo.

O•P•I Drip Dry Drops

These were another gift, given to me by a friend, and I am excited to give them a try! I hate waiting for nail polish to dry!

Okay, that was a long one! Thank you SO much if you read all of that and for all of your support! It means so much to me! If you want to see more information or a review on any of the products mentioned above, let me know by commenting (click the link by the title of this post!) or fine me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! Also be sure to let me know if there are any new products that you think I should try or products that you swear by! If you’ve enjoyed this post, please subscribe and share with your friends! Again, thanks and have a fantastic start to your week!

NAIL POLISH TUTORIAL-HOW TO AVOID BRUSH STROKES WITH FROST FORMULA POLISH

April 18, 2014 & 2 Comments

Hi There! Happy Friday!!! (Friday’s always deserve the most exclamation points!)

A few weeks ago I shared my Wet n’ Wild Spring 2014 Limited Edition Collections “And the Style Award Goes To…” post and mentioned that there is a technique I saw awhile ago to avoid the brush strokes that often happen when using a frost formula nail polish. I had a reader comment that they would love to see the technique, so today I am going to share a quick tutorial post with you on how you to do it by simply using a makeup sponge. I love hearing from you, so if YOU have anything you would like to see on here, comment (click the link by the title of this post) and let me know!

What you’ll need:

A small piece of a makeup sponge or a sponge eye shadow applicator (my preference is the eye shadow applicator)

A frost nail polish (a nail polish with a very fine, smooth shimmer)

A base coat nail polish and a top coat nail polish (optional, but highly recommended)

Products I used:

Revlon Colorstay base coat (005)

Wet n’ Wild Megalast in Sophisticated Lady (34359)

Out The Door top coat

Step 1:

Apply your base coat

Step 2:

Apply 1 or 2 coats of your frost nail polish with the brush your nail polish comes with.

Step 3:

Carefully dip your sponge tip eye shadow applicator into the nail polish or if using a makeup sponge pour a small amount of polish onto a paper plate or something else you can toss when you’re done. Then brush the sponge over your nails in one even motion. If you go over the nail with the sponge too much it can cause bumps which isn’t the look you want (I don’t think!). Try to sure that the sponge isn’t too soaked in the polish, getting it ever so slightly wet before dipping it into the polish can help with this.

Step 4:

Apply your top coat and allow the polish to dry!

My application isn’t perfect, and it takes a little practice, but it gives you a much cleaner look and you don’t see such obvious brush strokes. I like this method because it doesn’t take too many extra steps or too many coats of different nail products to get the desired effect.

I hope that you enjoyed this quick and easy nail polish tutorial! What is your favorite nail polish type? What is your favorite nail polish secret? I love crème nail polishes finishes and usually gravitate to those, but trying a frost is a fun change! If you have any questions or comments, please let me know by commenting (click the link by the title of this post!) or find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! If you liked this post please subscribe (it’ll only take a minute!) by entering your email into the subscription box on the right side on this page. Thank you so much for reading this! I hope that you have a wonderful Easter if you celebrate and a fab weekend!!! MUAH!

“Bunny Bait” Treat Bag DIY and Free Gift Tag Template- Hopping Into Spring Series Part 3

April 16, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi There! Happy Wednesday!

I hope you are having a great week so far! Easter is only a few days away and today I want to share a super simple treat bag DIY for the third and final Hopping Into Spring Series post. I think that is perfect for a last minute basket stuffer, gift for friends, co-workers, church groups, or just to enjoy yourself! I have also included a free template PDF file printable if you’d like to print out gift tags for your treat bags. Please consider “pinning” this post to your Pinterest account by hovering over any picture until a pink “Pin” button appears and clicking on that.

BUNNY BAIT:

Ingredients:

Mini marshmallows

Small pretzel sticks

Easter candy (I used M&M’s and Hershey Kisses)

Treat bags

Directions: Fill your treat bags to your liking with all of the ingredients! I did marshmallows first, then Hershey Kisses, then pretzel sticks and then finally M&M’s just so I didn’t crush the pretzel sticks with the heavier items.

GIFT TAG PRINTABLE:

Here is my free gift tag printable that you can simply click and print!

What You’ll Need:

The printed gift tags

Paper cutter or scissors

Ribbon Eyelet punch OR regular hole punch

Step 1: Print out your free gift tag printable and cut the tags out with your paper cutter or scissors.

Step 2: Use your eyelet punch to put a grommet onto your tag OR use a regular hole punch to make a hole for your ribbon.

Step 3: Use the ribbon to attach your gift tags to your treat bags : )

I hope you have enjoyed this post! If you try this out I would love to hear about it or see pictures! If you have anything you’d like to see a post about, or have any questions or comments, let me know by commenting (click the link by the title of this post!) or find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! As always, thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to read this, and please subscribe!! I will talk to you on Friday!

POPSUGAR MUST HAVE BOX APRIL 2014!!

April 14, 2014 & 5 Comments

Hi There! Happy Monday!!

I hope you’re having a wonderful start to your week! If you want to make my day, be sure to follow me on social media! The pink button links are at the top of this page! It’s LeahTackles everywhere!

Today I am very excited to be reviewing the April 2014 PopSugar Must Have Box! I have been receiving this subscription service since December 2012 and it is like Christmas every month! I personally love being surprised by what’s in the box, so I steer clear of spoilers! If your April box hasn’t come yet and you want spoilers, keep reading! Here is a little bit about Pop Sugar: The box contains full size items in all different categories…food, beauty, fashion, home, and usually an extra goodie of some kind, too. The PopSugar box usually arrives between the 10^th-15^th of every month for me…it ships via FedEx Smart Post, which means it goes out FedEx but arrives to my P.O Box. Today I will quickly go over the March items so you know what I loved and what was maybe so-so for me. When I go over the May box in a post next month I will do a mini review of the items from this month and talk about what I used, didn’t use, liked, or maybe didn’t like as much.

Product titles are also links for more information or to buy online.

Okay, here we go…

MARCH 2014 POPSUGAR MUST HAVE BOX OVERVIEW:

Must Have Food:

Snapea Crisps from Harvest Snaps

$3 Value

Verdict:

I ate these up quickly and really liked them! I was happy to find them shortly after receiving them in my box at my local grocery store. The listed value is $3, but I found them for less than $2, so keep your eyes peeled!

Must Have Beauty:

Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum from Jurlique

$30

Verdict:

I really like this serum! It is a very thin consistency, but I find that only 1-2 pumps is enough to cover my face, neck and décolleté. I have only been using it every few days at night, but I think I am going to be brave and test it during the day on my combination/oily skin to see how it goes! The serum seems to absorb into the skin quickly, so maybe it would work on me for daytime as well.

Must Have Fashion:

Lucky Horseshoe Necklace from Dogeared (*Similar)

$28

Verdict:

I love it! Very cute! I need to remember to wear it more often.

Must Have Fashion:

IKAT Scarf from Brokedown

$72

Verdict:

This is such a fabulous scarf! I have been reaching for it a lot lately, and it’s a great transition piece for spring!

Must Have Fitness:

Mini Stability Exercise Ball from Fusion Pilates (*Similar)

$9.95

Verdict:

I used this only once, right before writing this post so that I could tell you all at least a little something about it. The workouts for this Mini Stability Ball were fairly basic, but as most workouts not quite as easy as they looked! Now that I know how to use it, I need to grab this and give it a try with my exercise routine! I tend to get in exercise slumps where I do the same type of work out over and over! Time to change it up!

Must Have Home:

Elephant Ring Tree Holder from Bauble Bar

$12

Verdict:

I love this still! It looks so cute sitting on top of my jewelry box, and I have two little rings sitting on it looking pretty.

Special Extra:

Whole Wheat Fig Bar from Nature’s Bakery

Verdict:

This was yummy and came in handy when I needed a snack on the go! Would I run out and hunt down this exact bar? No, but it was tasty and I would consider grabbing again if I saw it at the store.

Okay, now onto the good stuff!! This months box!!

APRIL 2014 POPSUGAR MUST HAVE BOX:

Must Have Food:

Pop Sugar Must Have Mix from Nature Box

$5 Value

I have been curious about Nature Box for quite awhile now and was really excited to see something in this PopSugar Must Have Box to try from them. The mix is dried cranberries, corn, soybeans and almonds in it, and it wasn’t something I would have reached for myself, but I really liked it! I almost always have a snack while watching our favorite TV shows with my husband after our kids go to bed, and having healthy snacks like this around keep me from wanting chocolate or other not-so-healthy treats! The fat content is pretty high, it is a trail mix/energy snack after all, but otherwise it’s definitely a healthy option. They also included a coupon for a $9.95 trail month of 5 items, and I am definitely tempted! If you subscribe to Nature Box, do you like it? I would love to hear your thoughts! Let me know by commenting (click the link on the title of this post! Super easy!) or find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Must Have Home:

Caldrea Rosewater Driftwood Liquid Hand Soap

$10.50 value

I love seeing things like this in the box! I would feel guilty spending too much on hand soap, it’s a spot where I can cut corners or at least get the deals at Bath and Body Works, but I LOVE the little luxury of using them! It is a very nice rose smell, not too overpowering and not at all a fake floral smell that some soaps have.

Must Have Beauty:

Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette

$36 Value

I was SO excited when I saw this in the box!! I love Too Faced bronzers, lip products, and mascara but I have never tried the eye shadows! Speaking of their eye shadows, I am currently lusting over the Chocolate Bar Palette and know that eventually that must be added to my collection! Has anyone tried either of these palettes? Let me know by leaving a comment (click the link by the title of this post) or find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram ! Anyways, I love neutral eye shadows and was super excited until I noticed powder covering the box while I was opening it : ( One of the eye shadows broke! I know I could try to repair it, but I also sent PopSugar an email to see about sending it back and getting a replacement. It wasn’t wrapped at all sadly, which I was surprised about because I haven’t had that issue in the past. I have only had one other issue in the 17 different boxes I have had since December 2012, so as long as it’s replaced I am not concerned about it, and PopSugar has always had great customer service.

Must Have Fashion:

(XO) Eco Shopper Collapsible Tote Bag from Lauren Conrad for Blue Avocado

$24.99 value

I wasn’t thrilled initially with this bag because I figured it would just be another bag that wasn’t any different than others that I have. However, upon further inspection it’s simple to use and an adorable print! This bag makes me so excited for warmer weather and hopefully heading to some farmer’s markets with my family! So many bags advertise that they fold up “easily”, but this one really does fold up without a struggle. I think it will be functional for so many things, for day trips or barbeques I always have extra stuff I want to bring along and this is a great way to look stylish while doing it. The company Blue Avocado works with other companies and they upcycle by using plastic bottles to make the Blue Avocado products. The Lauren Conrad line from Blue Avocado also has lots of beauty and travel items that are just adorable! She can seriously do no wrong!

Must Have Home:

Pocket Notes from Graphic Image (*Similar)

$20 Value

I LOVE this so much! It says “Run The World” (how CUTE!) on a small periwinkle leather notebook with silver glit edged pages and a little ribbon bookmark. I am already using this, and it’s a perfect addition to toss into my bag or have displayed on my desk.

Must Have Home:

TOTALLY AWESOME: 80’s Sayings Tea Towel Set by Fresh Pastry Stand (an Etsy.com site)

$18 Value

These are cute, and I will definitely use them a lot this summer in the kitchen. They are big enough unfolded that they can be very multi-functional, which I love! I think they’re a fun way to liven up and lighten up the kitchen for spring.

All in all it is another great box from PopSugar! The total value was about $115 (each month $100 value or more is promised!) and for $39 it is well worth it since I will use the products. I am not as excited as I was about last months box (I LOVED last months box, so pretty stiff competition), but I still think I will enjoy and use all of the products in the box! I will keep you posted and put a note at the bottom of this post when I hear from PopSugar about my broken Too Faced palette. If you liked what you saw here, you can subscribe to PopSugar Must Have Box and join in the fun too! It’s the only subscription box I have tried so far, but I am *SOCLOSE* to trying more! Everybody loves fun mail, right?! If you subscribe to any subscription boxes that you love, tell me about it commenting (click the link next to the title of this post), or find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! As always, thank you so much for reading this and please subscribe! It’s easy, just enter you email and receive emails only when I upload a new post, and it’ll make my day!

***UPDATE*** PopSugar has emailed me back and are replacing my Too Faced palette! I am SO happy with the customer service and once I have my palette in my hands I think this will bump up to being one of my top boxes so far!! Makeup? Eeek! Too Faced makeup? EEEEEEK!

***ANOTHER UPDATE*** PopSugar sent my replacement and it arrived carefully packaged this time! So excited : )

TOP 10 NAIL POLISH PICKS FOR SPRING 2014!

April 11, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friday!!

I hope you had a wonderful week! Now that spring is here, I have been loving wearing all sorts of fun nail polish colors! I looked through my collection of polishes (I have a serious love for nail polish. Serious.) and picked out my top picks to share with you today. I created a Luvocracy Collection if you’d like more information on the polishes, want to add them to your own collections, or shop directly from the site.

Note: These are not listed in any kind of ranked order, they are just done in the order of a pretty spring-y rainbow! I also love my Megalast polishes dearly, and my spring picks I posted about previously: Wet N’ Wild Limited Edition Spring 2014 “And The Style Award Goes To…”.

1) Essie Madison Ave-Hue

This is a beautiful bright pink polish from the spring 2013 line from Essie. It has a beautiful pink and silver sparkle to it. It is very bright and has great color payoff. This shows 2 coats.

2) Lóreal Wishful Pinking

This is a very light pink polish that gives your nails a beautiful, clean look. It applies flawlessly and you really can’t mess it up. I love this when I’m in a rush but want something polished on my nails. This shows 3 coats.

3) Essie Mango Bango

This is a beautiful coral-y to orange cream polish. I don’t have many orange polishes, but I LOVE this one! Orange is so on trend for spring and summer, and it is a great way to get that pop of color if you aren’t ready to try an orange lip. This shows 3 coats, but you can easily do 2.

4) Revlon Colorstay Buttercup

Buttercup is a beautiful pale yellow cream polish. It is a unique color, as pale yellows can be hard to come by. I love it because it has good color payoff, especially for a yellow polish, and isn’t too streaky. I did apply 3 coats.

5) Revlon Zealous

When I first got this color last summer I remember being so surprised at how much I ended up loving it on my nails! It is a yellow with lots of gold shimmer that definitely gives off echoes of a chartreuse green. I love it! It’s sheer, but looks great with 3 coats.

6) Revlon Parfumerie Lime Basil

This is a deep minty green cream polish that smells just like a lemon lime soda! I was expecting it to smell more herbal, but all I get when I smell it is soda pop! But I like it. It is a beautiful color and it wore very well on my nails.

7) Zoya Blu

This is such a stunning, very light blue cream nail polish. It looks gorgeous on the nail, and I always receive compliments when I wear this color.

8) Essie Play Date

I love purple nail polish shades and this one isn’t like any others that I have in my collection. It is a bright purple cream polish and is very opaque on the nail.

9) Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Coin Flip

I love this for any season really, but I love the metallic look that this foil polish gives. It’s mostly gold, but in some lights looks silver as well. It reminds me a lot of Orly Rage. It’s more fun than a neutral (and I love a good nude manicure!) but I find that it really goes with so much.

10) Nicole by O•P•I Lips Are Dripping Honey

I love using this color from the limited edition Carrie Underwood line as an accent to other polishes. It is a beautiful glitter polish with tiny gold glitter and holographic larger pieces of gold glitter. The mix of holographic glitter and tiny specs of glitter gives the look in some light of a rose gold polish which makes me love it that much more! I LOVE rose gold! I don’t find that this is a pain to lay down on the nail, and it’s easier to work with than a lot of glitters.

Ta-da! That’s it! What are your favorite nail polishes to wear in the spring? I would LOVE to hear from you and try out some of your suggestions!! Let me know in the comments (click the link next to the title of this post) or find me on Facebook , Twitter, or Instagram! If you have enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends and subscribe (enter your email in the box on the right of the page and you’ll just get emails when I post!). I hope you have a fantastic weekend!!

Simple 3 Ingredient Easter Candy-Hopping Into Spring Series Part 2

April 9, 2014 & 2 Comments

Hi There! Happy Wednesday!

Today I want to share with you another recipe that I found in Taste of Home for the second week of my Hopping Into Spring Series! It is tasty, looks so sweet tucked into a gift bag or Easter basket, and best of all? It is only 3 ingredients! You really can’t beat that! I had my daughter, Hailey, helping me out in the kitchen and she was SO proud of her candy-making skills! If you missed last weeks Hopping Into Spring Series, here is the recipe for Easter Basket Cupcakes! If you enjoy either recipe, please scroll over any of the pictures in this post until you see a round pink “pin” button, and then click that so you can pin it to your Pinterest account.

Okay, let’s get started!

JELLY BEAN BARK (re-named Bunny Bark in my house!):

This is a great recipe where you can involve your kids or nieces and nephews, but it’s also a lot of fun to do with or for your friends! It takes almost no time to do and the result is a very nice looking, homemade springtime candy. I love the touch of whimsy that homemade candy has, especially tucked into an Easter basket or a gift bag for friends. It is very sweet, you only need a couple of bites, but it is a very delicious combination of flavors.

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon butter

1 1/4 cups of white candy coating, coarsely chopped (NOTE: I found this by the chocolate chips in the baking section, but I have also seen it by the specialty cake and candy making things)

2 cups small jelly beans

DIRECTIONS:

Line a 15 X 10 X1 (a close size will also work) with foil. Grease the foil with butter. In the microwave, melt the candy coating according to the directions on the package and stir until smooth. Spread into your prepared pan. Top with the jelly beans, pressing them down a little bit as you go. Let the bark harden completely before breaking up into pieces or cutting if you prefer.

I hope that you enjoyed the recipe and look out next Wednesday for the third and final Hopping Into Spring Series post. If you have anything you’d like to see a future post about, have any questions or comments please let me know! And if you try this recipe, I would love to see it! Comment (click the link by the title of this post) or you can find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! I am LeahTackles on all social media. I hope you have a great rest of your week! If you enjoyed this post, please remember to subscribe! You’ll totally make my day! Stay tuned Friday for another new post!!

Easy Apothecary Jar DIY Project!!

April 7, 2014 & 1 Comment

Hi There!! Happy Monday!

Today I have a super simple DIY project to share with you using apothecary jars. If you’re not familiar with the name, apothecary jars were originally used to mix medicines by an apothecary (a person who mixed medicine), but today are used as decorative displays that you would probably recognize if you saw them. I first started seeing all of the fun decor ideas out there using apothecary jars back when I was planning my wedding about 5 years ago. I loved them so much that I asked if they could be used at one of my bridal showers for a candy buffet. I know that lots of people use them for showers, weddings, or parties, so you may have some yourself or know somebody who has a bunch lying around. If not, they are available at Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, or other craft stores.

I am a lover of glittery, sparkly, beautiful things done in a grown up way! This can be hard to achieve and somebody who inspires me and does this so well is Lauren, the owner of Pearls and Pastries. Once I finish the gallery wall above my desk, I will talk more about her and her fabulous style. I have a cheap faux pearl necklace from Forever 21 that I don’t reach for anymore and that is what started the wheels turning for this DIY. I put the pearls in a mason jar on my desk and loved it! So I went out and bought a few supplies and created the newest edition to my desk. I also pinned other ideas that I love for apothecary jar displays on my Pinterest! If you like this post, please hover over any of the pictures and click the pink “pin” button to put it on your own Pinterest page.

SUPPLIES:

An apothecary jar (or a de-potted candle or mason jar would work as well. If you’d like a tutorial on de-potting your candles, please comment (click on the link by the title of this post) or ask me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Pearls, beads, rhinestones, and sequins

WHAT I PURCHASED:

Note: I purchased all of these at Walmart in the crafting section if you’re looking for the same items, but next time I plan to check out a speciality bead shop that is nearby for more choices. Any craft store or big box store would most likely have all of these types of items.

2 small tubes of gold sequins for $1.50 each

3 packs of pearl beads (975 beads) for $3.97 each

2 packs of plastic “princess” beads (approximately 450 beads) for $3.97 each

1 box of acrylic jewels (approximately 300 rhinestones) for about $6

1 apothecary jar that I already had (about $10-30 at Hobby Lobby depending on size)

STEP 1:

I took my time pouring the different beads and rhinestones into the jar, alternating them carefully so that there was enough of each layer to see them all.

STEP 2:

Once all of the beads and rhinestones were in the jar I used my fingers, a capped pen, and craft tweezers (all worked, but the tweezers helped the most for further down in the jar) to turn around the rhinestones where the bling side wasn’t showing. You could skip this step if you don’t use rhinestones or if it doesn’t bother you.

STEP 3:

Enjoy your new decoration! I put mine on my desk, with all my other girlie favorites, but this would also look beautiful as a centerpiece, on a shelf, or a bookcase. Please keep in mind if you have pets or small children that this is basically a jar filled with 1000’s of choking hazards, so keep it in a place that is out of reach!

I hope you have enjoyed this short and sweet DIY project! If you try this out, or another projects using apothecary jars I would LOVE to hear about them or see them!! Comment down below (click the link by the title of this post) or find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! Stay tuned Wednesday this week for a simple Easter/springtime candy that looks as good as it tastes. As always, please share this post on social media if you’ve liked it and subscribe by entering your email in the box on the right side of this page! I hope you have a fantastic week!

Collective Beauty and Lifestyle Favorites!

April 4, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friday!!

Yay! It’s Friday!! I am so glad it’s the weekend! For those of you without weekends, I sympathize! Both my husband and myself had jobs post-college where weekends didn’t exist! No fun! But no matter what you do, I hope you’re having a lovely Friday afternoon! Because of my excitement for Friday, I want to do a fun favorites post where I share all of the stuff I’ve been loving lately! Eventually, I plan to do a monthly beauty favorites post, and also a “lifestyle” favorites post where I show you all the other random things I love that aren’t beauty related. But today, these favorites are all going to be packed into one post! I made Luvocracy collection with the items listed below if you want more information or want to shop online!

Let’s get started!

LEAH’S FAVORITES:

Beauty Favorites:

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in 001 Honey

These jumbo crayon lip products are everywhere right now, and this is a great basic to have. It is one of my favorite lip products of all time! I have been using it for about a year and half, I still find myself wearing it at least once a week! Sometimes I just don’t feel like fussing with a lipstick or gloss, and on those days this is an amazing thing to be able to reach for. I need to pick up a new one, mine has a crack in the cap and the writing it all rubbed off…and that’s because this has gone everywhere with me! It’s a beautiful “your lips but better” pink. I find that the color ends up getting a bit brighter after the “stain” part starts coming through, but it’s still just as beautiful. When I use this I only touch up a couple of times a day to keep the slightly glossy look. If you don’t have this yet, I really suggest picking it up if you’re in the market for an easy everyday lipcolor.

This next picture shows the Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Honey and the next item I talk about, the Lóréal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black:

Lóréal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black

This is a felt tip black eyeliner that can create thin lines to very thick bold lines. I am no expert at winged eyeliner, but I definitely have success when I use this eyeliner. It is very black and stays all day. I haven’t had issues with the pen drying out too quickly. What is your favorite staple eyeliner? Do you prefer liquid eyeliner over pencil? Let me know by commenting (click the link next to the title of this post) or find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Dim Infusion

I just hauled this in my March 2014 Collective Beauty Haul, so I won’t spend too much time on it but I had to include it! This color is BEAUTIFUL! It gives such a lovely flush to the cheeks and I don’t have to wear a highlight when I have this on (but let’s be real, I usually still do! I love a good glow!). This is gorgeous, and if you can get your booty to Sephora to swatch these for yourself, I highly recommend it!

Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Color in Mint Sorbet

I really like the Xtreme Wear line from Sally Hansen because it is very inexpensive and usually wears well for several days without chips. My good friend and fellow nail polish lover (sorry for getting you hooked and enabling you!! You know who you are!) gave me this color and it is just the perfect mint polish! I love the color mint green anytime, but springtime is the perfect time to rock a mint mani.

Jewelry Favorite:

Bauble Bar Deco Strand in Mint Tortoise

I have loved tortoise since I was a really little kid. Once before we left for a vacation my mom and I went shopping and she ended up buying me a pair of tortoise sunglasses…I must have been 7 or 8 years old, and I’ve been loving tortoise ever since! So this necklace fulfills my love of tortoise, a pop of spring color with the mint, and a little bling thrown in for good measure. It looks cute with so many things: A basic tee, a dress, or a great collared shirt. I wore it this past weekend with a casual outfit shown above. It is a bit expensive, but I was able to use Bauble Bar Vault Points to get it for less. Keep you eyes peeled for discount codes and sign up for vault points

Food Favorite:

Nature Valley Sweet & Salty Nut Bar in Roasted Mixed Nut

I like to have granola or protein bars in my bag in case I get hungry or “something” happens! Maybe it’s the mom in me! These are a great mix of salty and sweet with lots of nuts and nutty butter on the bottom of the bar.

Exercise/ Wellness Favorite:

Life Factory 16 oz. Glass Bottle with Straw Cap and Silicone Sleeve in Peony

I got this while I was shopping in a small local children’s boutique for my kiddos. I drink lots of water and wanted a bottle that I can take everywhere without spilling. It’s a bit heavy, because it is made of glass but it is free of chemicals and easy to clean. I really like the silicone around the glass because it gives a great grip. It is pricy, but if you consider cost per use, it has stayed in perfect shape and I use it all day, everyday.

Website Favorite AND Book Favorite:

“Seriously…I’m Kidding” by Ellen Degeneres read by the author

My hubster has been using audible.com for about a year, but I just didn’t know if I would like it or when I would find the time. I finally decided to listen while I was doing random household chores one evening recently and I chose Ellen’s book for something lighthearted to begin my audio book journey. And I loved it! It didn’t hurt that I listened to this straight after Ellen rocked The Oscars, but she is just so charming. I felt warm and fuzzy after listening. I finished the about three hour long book in two days and it made my chores a lot more fun. We have an Amazon Prime account which makes it very affordable as well. I loved the book and I loved listening to it instead of finding the time to read it.

Girl Power Favorite:

NOTE: I thought this would be a fun way to share some props when I do a favorites post to any girl I think is doing great stuff and should be recognized. I am all about girl power, more than ever now that I have a daughter of my own! I think it should be encouraged and supported!

Carrie Rad has Youtube channel I found recently that I think is just lovely! She’s got whatever it is (okay, now I can’t stop singing that country song…), something about her is so fresh, and she is a joy to watch. I found her and then binge watched every single one of her videos. She has beauty, fashion, and more in her videos. I just want to grab a coffee with her and hang out. She has great ideas, shows such passion, and I just know she will do big things! Carrie Rad is rad!

Song Favorite:

All of Me by John Legend

This song is SO beautiful! I love it each time it comes on the radio and avoid talking too much until it’s over. LOVE!

Okay, I don’t want this to go on forever because I’m in a rambling mood today, and that could get dangerous! But I really hope that you’ve enjoyed this post! As always, if you have any comments or questions please comment (click the link next to the title of this post) or find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! Please let me know what type of posts you would like to see on www.leahtackles.com. Let me know what your favorites items of the moment are! I would love to hear about them! And if you like what you’ve read, please share and subscribe by entering you email into the box on the right of this page! You will only get emails when a new post from me goes up! Super easy! Thank you to all of you who have already subscribed!! I hope you have a beautiful weekend!!

Easter Basket Cupcakes-Hopping Into Spring Series Part 1

April 2, 2014 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I typically wouldn’t do two food posts right in row, but I decided to do a mini series: Hopping Into Spring. This series will feature springtime treats just in time for some warmer weather and Easter! I was flipping through my Taste of Home Magazine and browsing some fun websites recently and became inspired by all the springtime yummy cuteness. The next three Wednesday posts will be part of the series, that way they will all go up before Easter so that you can make them for your families, friends, or coworkers. If you don’t celebrate Easter, all of these treats are really just springtime goodies that can work for any occasion! If you like this post, please pin it to your Pinterest page, simply hover over any of the pictures until a pink “pin” button appears, then click on that to pin to your Pinterest account.

EASTER BASKET CUPCAKES:

I found these Easter Basket Cupcakes in Taste of Home Magazine and knew right away that I had to recreate them! I really like Taste of Home because they offer a wide variety of recipes, but it is always with ingredients that are easily accessible and simple directions. My daughter, Hailey, loved helping me stir and pour in the long list of ingredients for these! If you are pinched for time, you can buy a boxed cake mix or canned frosting but still decorate these sweet little baskets. This would also be a great opportunity to use my cupcake wrapper diy with a sweet springtime paper!

CARROT CAKE:

Ingredients:

4 eggs

1 cup sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup canola oil

3 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3/4 cup buttermilk

1 lb carrots, grated

2 cups chopped walnuts, toasted

1 can (8 oz.) crushed pineapple, drained

1 cup flaked coconut

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:

1 package (8oz.) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 teaspoon grated orange peal

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups confectioners’ sugar

DECORATIONS:

3 cups flaked coconut

1 teaspoon water

6-10 drops green food coloring

Candy Eggs (jelly beans or small chocolate eggs, whatever type you prefer)

Candy Straw (Sour Punch Straws worked well, licorice would also work. TIP: Do not use any really thin candy because you need something to stick into the cupcake so the “handle” of your basket stays up)

CARROT CAKE DIRECTIONS:

Preheat your oven to 350°. Line 25-30 muffin cups with paper liners. In a large bowl, beat eggs, sugars, canola oil and vanilla until well blended. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, ground ginger and ground nutmeg. Add your dry mixture and your buttermilk to your egg mixture, alternating and blending after each addition. Stir in the carrots, walnuts, pineapple and coconut until well blended. Do not over mix. Fill prepared baking cups about 3/4 full. Bake 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before removing and cooling completely on wire racks.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING DIRECTIONS:

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until well blended. Beat in the orange peel and vanilla extract. Slowly beat in confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Frost you cupcakes. Because you are going to be covering the frosting with coconut and then decorating them, the frosting doesn’t have to be perfect and you can use a pretty thin layer. I was able to quickly frost the cupcakes I made using a butter knife.

DECORATING DIRECTIONS AND TIPS:

To make the Easter Basket grass, simply put your flaked coconut into a large resealable plastic bag and mix in the water and food coloring. Seal and shake until the coconut is evenly tinted. Do this a little bit at a time because you can always add more drops of food coloring if needed. I then dipped my cupcakes into the coconut to evenly coat the tops. TIP: Put your candy straw about 1/4 inch from the edge of the cupcake and push into the cake. I made the mistake at first of trying this too close to the edge and it didn’t stay very well. Then decorate with your candy eggs. Ta-da! An adorable Easter or springtime cupcake!

I hope you have enjoyed this post! What desserts do you like to make this time of year? Is there anything you’d like to see me make on www.leahtackles.com? If you try this recipe, I want to hear about it! And if you have any questions or comments please let me know in the comments (click the link by the title of this post) or find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! I would love to hear from YOU! It’s “LeahTackles” on all social media. Thank you very much for reading this, and if you like this post please subscribe by entering your email into the subscription box on the right hand side of this page to receive emails only when I post something new! Have a wonderful rest of your week!

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