leah tackles – Page 3

Can’t Keep Up? 5 Ways to Simplify Makeup (High-End Edition)

July 22, 2015 & 5 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

If you’re a regular reader, you know that I *love* makeup! I’m obsessed with reading other blogs, watching other YouTube channels, and browsing Sephora and Ulta’s websites. HOWEVER, I know that not everyone has the same crazy passion, but you still want to rock some amazing products! Or, maybe you love makeup but get overwhelmed walking into Sephora (understandable!!) and need to be pointed in the right direction. Today I want to share with you the 5 items that I would take in a desserted island situation if I was limited to 5 products. Every item I am sharing today is considered a “high-end” makeup item, but I plan to do a drugstore version of this if you’d like to see it : )

1. Esteé Lauder Double Wear Foundation

This is my favorite foundation for days when I need my oily/combination skin to hold onto makeup ALL day. This is my holy grail foundation. It also has SPF 15 or 25, which is also a big plus for me. If you’re interested in other high-end foundation reviews, let me know, but this is far and away my favorite for my skin type.

2. Urban Decay Naked Flushed

Now, as I recommend this I have to admit that I do not own it!! I know, I know! But, my mom does and I’ve had samples of it before. My reasoning for including this item is that it comes with a nice quality browzer, highlight, AND blush! I love that it’s all in one, and something that you could buy for about the same price as a high end blush or bronzer or highlight but you’re getting ALL three together.

3. Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette

This is SO stunning! Whether you want a single color, super minimalistic look or a darker nighttime look, this baby can handle it. This is a favorite for me for travel. This palette is now also avaliable in a matte version (which I , of course, want!).

4. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner

This liner is the bomb DOT com! Even if you don’t want a big wing, this looks amazing, is super dark, and lasts all day for a thin line to make your eyes pop.

5. Benefit Roller Lash

This is my new favorite high-end mascara! This makes my lashes look like falsies if I do a few layers without making it look spidery which is a huuuuge pet peeve of mine as far as my own lashes.

I hope that this was helpful! Feel free to let me know your favorite high-end staples in the comments! In mid October these brands all have amazing holiday limited edition sets that are often great values, so keep that in mind as we head into fall (ahhh noooo!).

Thank you for reading! Have a BEAUTIFUL weekend! I’ve had a lull in new subscribers here recently, so if you’re not subscribed yet please do so! And if you are, thank you so much, and please share with my links provided at the bottom of every post. I love you all!

The Just Released Too Faced Love Palette with Swatches!

July 20, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that each of you had a wonderful weekend! I am *SO* excited to be sharing some pictures and swatches of the *new* for fall 2015 Love palette from Too Faced Cosmetics. This palette was just released in stores on July 15th, and it was love at first sight for me..see what I did there?! But seriously ; ) Today I am just sharing swatches here, and get ready because they are GORGEOUS! I am doing a video on my YouTube channel with swatches, overview, and review on my blog, AND I’ve already filmed a tutorial as well.

Thank you for reading! Don’t forget to subscribe to get an email each time I upload a new post! It’s easy ; ) Enter your email in the box on the right side of the screen and you’ll get a confirmation email! xo

My Family Pictures 2015!!

July 15, 2015 & 4 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

We are lucky enough to have the hugely talented Brooke of Brooke Ashley Snow Photography take pictures for our family once or twice most years. Recently she snapped a few quick pictures for us as a family of five, our 5 year wedding anniversary and for Lo’s 6 month birthday. If you’re in Michigan and need photos done, CHECK HER OUT! She is awesome to work with, makes you feel so comfortable, and takes amazing pictures! Also, she can make any kid smile! She will do all sorts of *crazy* stuff to get a great picture…and she’s my friend AND family, so I’m allowed to say that ; ) Love you lots girl, thank you again! Your photography is on *fleek* ; )

FullSizeRender (19)

Have a beautiful weekend! I appreciate each of you!! xoxo

Mally Beauty Poreless Face Defender Review with before & after pictures!

July 13, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you each had a wonderful weekend! I will keep this short and sweet today and hop into the review : )

Mally Beauty EverColor Poreless Face Defender with Sponge:

Price:

$40

Claims:

1) Diffuses Pores and Fine Lines

Absolutely did this for me!

2) Makes Your Makeup Last

This one the verdict is still out on for me. I like setting my makeup with setting powders, and it probably does help just like setting with powder helps, but it isn’t a mind blowing selling point for me.

3) Matte Finish

YES! This is the biggest selling point for me! Matte finish without a powdery or cakey look!

Pictures:

Before:

After:

*Note: I wasn’t super oily to begin with, but here you can see how matte it made me and how it blurred the pores on my nose!

Thoughts:

Love, love, love being able to keep oil at bay without adding powder because I haaaate adding powder, especially in the summer when I’m especially oily. This is a new favorite : )

Have a wonderful day!

Homemade Glitter Playdough {No-Bake and 5 Ingredients!)

July 8, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Can you believe that it’s going to be the middle of July in a few days? We are finally getting some gorgeous weather here, but we have had some rainy days where we are stuck inside…blah! The kids get restless, FAST! Because I have 3 kids who are all so young going places isn’t a simple undertaking, and we usually are home on weekdays, so I LOVE this playdough recipe because it has all things that I have on hand. A lot of homemade playdough calls for heating the ingredients or ingredients that I don’t always have, so this one sticks out to me. The kids had a great time making this, and it works really well days later.

Homemade Glitter Playdough:

What You’ll Need:

1 Cup of Water

Food Coloring

4 Cups of Flour

1 1/2 Cups of Salt

3-4 Tablespoons of Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil

Glitter

Step 1:

Pour your water into a large bowl.

Step 2:

Add your food coloring and then stir! We made a purple-ish color.

Step 3:

Add your dry ingredients and stir. Next add your oil so it isn’t so crumbly, but not too much to where it’s sticky.

Step 4:

Add your GLITTER!!

Step 5:

Mix it up! We formed ours into balls & stored in plastic containers but plastic baggies would work, too.

Step 6:

Have fun!!

If you liked this, please share on social media! You can also “pin” it to your Pinterest account by hovering over any picture and clicking the “pin” button! I apprecaite the support so much!! Have a wonderful weekend : )

4th of July 2015! PIC HEAVY!!

July 6, 2015 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that each of you had a safe and happy weekend! If you are in America, tell me in the comments what you did for the 4th! I would love to hear about it : ) We had a wonderful weekend and I have lots of pictures to share with you. We also have decided to start vlogging as a family, and we want to launch a FAMILY VLOG CHANNEL soon!! If you think that’s a good idea, let me know! Also, if you want to watch our first video you can check it out here! Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel if you haven’t already to give me more opportunities for fun giveaways and better review material for all of you : )

Our 4th of July Pictures:

Here are our 4th of July pictures from 2014!

Thank you for reading!! Have a wonderful week! Please, don’t forget to subscribe! xo

Our Mackinac Trip 2015! PIC HEAVY! + Exciting News!

June 28, 2015 & 4 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

We went to Mackinac Island as always for our 5 year wedding anniversary…with kids in tow ; ) Today I am going to share pictures. You can see pictures from our 2014 Mackinac Island trip here.

Also in exciting news, we VLOGGED this entire trip! Which for those who don’t know is a video blog or video diary of our trip! Stay tuned to my YouTube channel for that coming up soon!!

On the ferry!

Give us the table the furthest away from other people! ; ) 5 year “modern” gift = silverware! We now have 6 years worth of these pictures! Look at our balcony view…#NoFilter Handsome Hubs! Happy 5 Years to this hunky hunk!

Connor loved watching the birds & horses : ) My Little Loves!!! Cheers to us!

Cool Dude!

My Hailey Doll!

A picture with all 5 of us wasn’t happening! #WeNeedASelfieStick

Sibs!Yum yum!

Our Mackinac Island Favorites:

Shepler’s Ferry

Chippewa Hotel

Butterfly House and Insect World

The Pink Pony Bar and Grill

Horn’s Bar

Nephew’s of Mackinac Island

Poppins on Mackinac

Happy Anniversary, Babe!

June 24, 2015 & 6 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

This Friday Stephan & I will celebrate FIVE years of marriage! I am so proud of us hitting this big milestone.

Stay tuned for pictures & vlogs coming up after our weekend getaway! Thank you for reading!

{{Stephan,

Happy Anniversary!! I never expected that we would have to shoulder so much in our first few years of marriage, but I’m extraordinarily proud of our tenacity…we are a good team : ) In five years we have had three beautiful children and completed our family. I can’t wait to keep spending forever with you.

Cheers to us!

Love,

Me}}

5 Things To Do BEFORE You Book Your Disney Vacation!!

June 22, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Right now my family is planning a big DISNEY vacation and we couldn’t be more excited! I am constantly talking and thinking Disney! I want to do a blog series here, as well as a video series on my YouTube Channel on our planning process, tips, packing, custom outfits, and so much more.

Today I want to talk the very basics, things that you can to before you even book your trip, to make sure you take advantage of all that Disney has to offer, and get your money’s worth! I will go into more details on these things in another post if people are interested : )

*Photo credit to WDWlive.com

1. On Property or Off Property

The first thing I suggest is deciding if you want to stay on Disney property or off. *Personally* I think staying on property, while much more expensive at first glance, really evens out once you factor in food. Also, you are completely immersed in the magic. And, you have extra perks like Disney’s Magical Express, the monorail, and the bus. But, perhaps the biggest perk draw for me is that you get FIRST DIBS on dining and fast passes!!!

2. Dining Books 180 Days In Advance

When considering when to book your trip, keep in mind that you can make reservations at 180 days out…yes that’s SIX MONTHS in advance! If you’re staying off property you’ll need to log onto your Disney account or call for each day of your trip! If staying on property, you can book 180+10 so as long as your trip is 10 days or less you can book dining for your whole trip in one go. This is HUGE because dining is *extremely* competitive. Some restaurants, such as Be Our Guest, are so competitive that even if you book at your 180+10 you may not get it. I can get more into the dining and dining plans later, but for now just know that if you want to eat at Cinderella’s Royal Table, Hollywood & Vine, Be Our Guest, etc, you will want to book on or before 6 months out.

3. Make A MyDisneyExperience Account

The MyDisneyExperience site and app are so awesome! You will use this to make dining reservations, view your itinerary, make payments, favorite rides, check wait times, finding characters and again a ton more…it’s so fantastic! The site has tons of information and online help that help you get an idea for your trip. It’s the perfect baby step ; )

4. Research Research Research!

I LOVE researching everything so I love this part and I’m constantly researching everything, but I love researching Disney! I know not everyone loves it, but it’s a game-changer when it comes to planning your perfect magical vacation. I suggest searching things like “Disney Planning Tips” on YouTube or Google to get started. If people are interested, I can go into more details on my planning process.

5. Get Excited!

Ummmm you’re going to be going to Disney?! How exciting is that?! Everybody has a great time at Disney World!

Thank you SO much for reading! Please tell me what blog posts and/or videos you’d like to see about Disney, because I would LOVE to talk about anything Disney ; )

CONFESSIONS: MY 5 HOTEL HABITS?!

June 15, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Now, get your mind out of the gutter to which it probably went based on today’s title! Today I want to talk about funny things that people (or specifically myself/my family) do behind closed hotel room doors. Take a peek and be sure to let me know if you do any of these things, or what “secret” hotel confessions you have (let’s keep it PG people!).

#1 Take EVERYTHING!

Do you remember that Episode of “Friends” where Ross teaches Chandler how to steal EVERYTHING in the room as long as it isn’t nailed to the floor? [ Season 9 Episode 19] Well we don’t go *that* crazy…no remote batteries or raiding of the maid cart, but we do take what is offered that we may use. We stay in a hotel at least once a month, and the first thing we do every time we get to the hotel is take a bag and pack up everything we can to take home. Coffee, tea bags, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, paper towels, dishwasher detergent, kleenex, hotel magnents…we pack it all up ; )

#2 Organizing the Room

I love when things are neat and tidy, and I love that when we stay at a hotel room I can unpack everything perfectly in a short window of time! I set everything up just so, and I love it because I can do it so fast that I actually have time to relax because it isn’t like home where there is never ending laundry, dishes, chores, work, etc.

#3 Food Binge

We usually order food in (young kids + restaurants = not relaxing) and did you know calories don’t count when you’re out of town? (<-That’s a lie but I act like it’s true!). ALWAYS order the cheesecake when you’re staying at a hotel.

#4 TV Binge

At home we have wifi, Netflix, and Hulu plus, but no cable, so when we are at a hotel? We binge watch and it’s usually The Food Network, HGTV, or The Discovery Channel. And when you’re in a hotel room the TV can be on ALL.THE.TIME because like mentioned in #2 you aren’t home to do all the work that usually is staring you in the face.

#5 Imaginination Station

Even though sometimes traveling isn’t for fun reasons, and it’s a lot of work as an adult, I still like to make up stories and imagine I’m somewhere completely fabulous on a fancy vacation. Hotel rooms are lots of things, but also a tiny bit of that excited “OH MY GOSH MOM DOES THIS HOTEL HAVE A POOL?!!” always comes out of me when I’m there.

Do any of these things apply to you? Do you love hotels? Hate them? Talk to me in the comments! I know this post was pretty random, but I thought it would be a fun one : ) Thank you for reading.

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