leahtackles – Page 44

September Favorites!

September 29, 2014 & 5 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope you all had a great weekend! One of my good friends visited, and we had a wonderful time with beautiful weather! And my alma mater won big at our homecoming game : ) I am combining my beauty favorites and lifestyle favorites into one post this month. Let’s get right into it…

September Favorites:

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

This isn’t new to my collection, but I have been using it a lot lately and have fallen back in love. I love this as an eye shadow base or on days when I want a super natural look, alone.

2) Wet n’ Wild Coloricon Bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana

This is definitely NOT a bronzer, but it is part of the Coloricon Bronzer collection from Wet n’ Wild, and what it is is a *OMG* gorgeous highlighter. The price cannot be beat, and it comes with a huuuge amount of product. Love it!

3) Maybelline “The Nudes” Palette

I had been holding off buying this because I have so many neutral palettes…but when I saw it was buy one get one 50% off at Walgreens, I went for it because I needed some other Maybelline products. If you do not have this yet and you love neutral eye makeup, or if you have been holding off getting the Naked palettes by Urban Decay or other neutral palettes from high-end brands, YOU NEED THIS! It has had some mixed reviews, but I absolutely love it! I have worn it more than any of my other eye shadows this past month, and think it is definitely worth the $10-12. On the back it shows how you can break it up into quads, trios, and duos which is super helpful for people who maybe don’t know where to start with an eye look, and I find the quads especially to be fantastic! The pigmentation overall is good, although I will say that they wear and swatch much better with an eye shadow primer used first. The packaging is simple, not bulky, and very sleek for drugstore, but my one complaint is that there is no mirror. I could gush on and on about this, and if you’d like more information please let me know because this palette really could have its own post!

4) The Balm Shadow/Blush in Down Boy

This is a perfect baby pink blush! I love this because it looks great with so many eye shadow and lip combos! You can’t go wrong with it, but it is HIGHLY pigmented, so you only need a tiny bit!

5) Maybelline Dream Wonder Powder in Porecelain Ivory

This is my go-to everyday pressed setting powder ever since the Dream Wonder line replaced the Dream Matte line. I like that it gives an ever so slight coverage in addition to any foundation or BB cream you might have on.

6) EOS Lip Balm in Pomegranate Raspberry

I love the EOS lipbalms! And so does my 3 year old ; ) I like to apply these while I’m doing my makeup so that my lipsticks have a nice base…and this lipbalm is even thin enough that my matte lipsticks still appear matte but have a little moisture underneath.

7) Dual Ended Brow Brush with Spooli

Brand really doesn’t matter too much here, there are great low cost options as well as more high-end brushes, but I have been using powder for my brows lately and loving a dual ended brow brush with spooli.

8) NCLA Los Angeles Nail Polish in Rodeo Drive Royalty

I adore this nail polish! I mentioned it in my “Leah’s Friday Five” on the Pearls and Pastries Shop Blog, and it has been on my nails almost all month! I keep re-applying it because I can’t get enough of this gorgeous color!

9) Bauble Bar Arc Pendant Necklaces in Rose Gold

I have been loving my plain rose gold arc necklace layered with my pavé rose gold arc necklace! So simple and beautiful! This necklace from Bauble Bar is similar.

10) Gorjana Viceroy Necklace in Yellow Gold

This is such a beautiful simple piece! It goes well with everything!

11) Minnie Mouse Coffee Cozy

I found this adorable crochet Minnie Mouse coffee cozy from LNRCrochetDesigns on Etsy! The seller is super helpful and shipping was very fast. How cuuuute is this?! Seriously! Cute!

12) Name Bubbles Small Contact Clothing Labels

This is mostly for all the moms out there! Or maybe if someone is stealing your jacket off your chair at the office or your food out of the fridge at work, you too ; ) These labels are WASHER AND DRYER SAFE! And just STICK ON! Amazing. And they come in really cute designs, too. I was able to use a coupon code “B2SNB” for 10% off as well.

13) “Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids” by Laura Markham on Audible.com

This book is amazing! Stephan and I are only halfway through listening to this book, and it has changed our relationship with our kids (and eachother!!) for the better. I don’t think you need to be struggling or think there is a problem at all to gain a great deal from this book! I really think this book would be benefital to anyone, with grown kids, or without kids at all! We plan to pick up a paper copy as well to highlight our favorite parts. Seriously, READ THIS IF YOU HAVE KIDS!

Phew! That was pretty long! If you read all that, thank you so much! What things have you been reaching for and loving this past month? I would love to know! I hope that you have a great start to your week, and don’t forget to subscribe!! : )

Popsugar Must Have Box September 2014!

September 22, 2014 & 4 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

It’s POPSUGAR TIME!!!! Today I am reviewing the September 2014 PopSugar Must Have Box.The box contains full size items in all different categories: food, beauty, fashion, home, and sometimes an extra goodie too! The PopSugar box usually arrives between the 10th-15th of every month for me…it ships from California via FedEx Smart Post, which means it goes out FedEx but arrives to my P.O Box. I am LOVING this months box, so let’s get into it!

September 2014 Must Have Box:

Stereo Earbuds by Nicole Miller

$20

I needed a new pair of earbuds, and I can’t wait to use these! I love the dark blue color that I received, though I’m not sure if everyone got the same color. If you are subscribed to PopSugar Must Have Box, what color earbuds did you get? Let me know in the comments!

Superfine Purse Size Hairspray by Orbie

$21.50

I like the sleek packaging of this hairspray, and I will definitely use this for travel! It smells pretty nice, too.

Almond Brownie by Urban Remedy

$6.99

I thought this might be kind of strange…it’s a 100% raw and organic…but it was REALLY good!! It wasn’t the same as biting into a chocolate fudge brownie or anything, but it was a nice dense bar with a nice dark cacao chocolate-y taste. That said, would I pay $6 for one of these? Probably not.

Gold Foil Arrow Pencils by Letter C Design

$7.50

I *looove* the sleek black pencils with the gold details! I haven’t used these yet, but they look gorgeous on my desk! I love that they threw in a small pencil sharpener too, because I haven’t used a pencil that wasn’t mechanical in ages.

Modal Gradation Scarf in Raisin by Tilo Scarves

$125

This is far and away my favorite item in the box this month!!! I looooove this scarf! When I first glanced at it, I only saw charoal, but once opened it is a beautiful mix of grays and a raisin brown…GORGEOUS! Seriously, stunning! This makes the most basic tee look beautiful.

Garance Doré Assorted Girls Set by Rifle Paper Co.

$18

I love having blank notecards to send to friends and loved ones! I also will use these for giveaway winners : ) Super cute!

Special Extras:

Milk Chocolate Sea Salt and Almond Minis by Ghiradelli

This was an awesome “extra”! I am ashamed to say how quickly these disappeared, but hey at least I can blame it on the pregnancy…right??! SOO yummy!

$20 Nike Giftcard

I don’t reeeeally count this, because you have to make a purchase to use this, but I will definitely hang onto it and it’s nice to have on hand.

This is one of my favorite PopSugar Must Have Boxes in awhile! And with a total of $198.99 it is clearly WELL worth the $39 price point since I have already been using most of the products! As usual : ) Have you subscribed to any subscription boxes or bags yet? I would love to hear about them in the comments! I finally caved and got my first Ipsy Glambag and I will put a review up on Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe to see that if you haven’t subscribed already : )

POPSUGAR MUST HAVE BOX JUNE 2014

June 13, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friiiiiiday!!

Today I am very excited to be reviewing the June PopSugar Must Have Box!! The box contains full size items in all different categories:food, beauty, fashion, home, and sometimes an extra goodie too. The PopSugar box usually arrives between the 10th-15th of every month for me…it ships from California via FedEx Smart Post, which means it goes out FedEx but arrives to my P.O Box.

The box and insert have been revamped and I love the new look!

You can see my post on my May PopSugar Box here and if you have questions on how I ended up liking any of those products please comment to let me know and I would be happy to answer : )

JUNE 2014 MUST HAVE BOX:

Lemon Wet Wipes from You Smell

These probably aren’t something I would have bought, but they are in adorable packaging and I’ll happily carry them in my purse.

Hawaiian BBQ Chips from One Potato Two Potato

I really like these! They have a nice little kick and have a nice full BBQ flavor. I was worried they would be really sweet, but they aren’t much sweeter than a normal BBQ chip.

Beach Towel from Turkish-T

$32

This is so pretty and soft!! I love the idea of using it as a wrap or maybe even a sarong. Love love love!

The One & Only by Emily Giffin’s

$28

I have been hearing so much buzz about this book! I am hoping I can find the time to read it! I love to read, but can never seem to find the time to read! Maybe I’ll see if it’s on Audible : /

Basic Hair Ties from Lollies

These are SO cute!! And I think they’ll look adorable as bracelets, too.

Shiny Citrus Body Lotion from Sacha Jaun

$24

I started using this right away! I *love* fancy body lotions, and this one is lovely. It smells so fresh and wonderful!

Special Extra: $15 Gift Card from Native Union

This website has a lot of cool tech-y gadgets (although I don’t think any for $15!) and I am giving this to my husband : ) I like tech accessories too, but I think my sweet hubs deserves a little something too.

I am NEVER disapointed with my PopSugar subscription! This month added up to $104 not counting the $15 gift card. I STILL haven’t subscribed to anything else in the subscription box world, but I am sososososo close! I hope that you enjoyed this post and that you have a wonderful weekend! And don’t forget to subscribe : )

Summer Jewelry Musts and Lusts!

June 11, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I *LOVE* pretty jewels and summertime is a great time to show it off! Today I want to share some of my favorite websites for getting jewelry, a picture of some of my favorites from my own collection, and some of the items I am lusting after : )

MY GO TO JEWELRY WEBSITES:

A PICTURE OF SOME OF MY FAVORITE MUSTS FOR SUMMER:

A FEW OF THE THINGS I AM LUSTING AFTER THIS SUMMER:

How gorgeous is this Bauble Bar bib necklace? I am DROOLING over the colors!

I love love love this monogram necklace in the clear with glitter also from Bauble Bar : )

I am missing out on all the gorgeous statement earrings like these from Bauble Bar because I usually just wear studs around my kiddos ; )

This hi-lo necklace from Express is so different and I adore the semi precious stone!!

How pretty are these tassel braclets from dAnnonEtsy on Etsy?!

I love the details on this Marc Alary for J.Crew braclet! SOOOO gorg!

I love these birthstone bracelets from Alex and Ani : )

Okay, I hope you enjoyed this quick little post! Now, I want to hear from YOU! Where do you like to shop for jewlery? I am always interested to hear about great places to find gorgeous things ; ) Let me know by commenting (click the link by the title of this post) and please remember to subscribe to keep youself up-to-date on my blog posts! Have a wonderful “hump” day!!

Homemade Baked Elephant Ears!

June 6, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friday!!!

Today I want to share a recipe that I found flipping through Taste of Home Magazine (I know, again! I am not paid by them whatsoever, I just love the recipes they offer!): Baked Elephant Ears!! I think these would be so fun for any summer party! If you make these, I would LOVE to hear about it, so comment (click the link by the title of this post) to let me know about it!

Ingredients:

Dough:

1 package active dry yeast

1/2 cup warm water between 110° to 115°

2 cups all-purpose flour

4 1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup cold butter, cubed

1/3 cup milk

1 egg yolk

Filling:

2 tablespoons butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

1/2 cup sugar

3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions:

Dough:

In a small bowl dissolve yeast in the warm water. In a large bowl mix the flour, sugar and salt. Cut the butter into the flour mix until crumbly. Stir the milk and egg yolk into the disolved yeast. Add the yeast mix to the flour mix and stir until a soft dough forms. Cover the dough in plastic wrap and put into the fridge for 2 hours. Preheat you over to 375°. Punch down the dough and turn onto a floured surface. Cover dough and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll dough into a 18X10 inch rectangle.

Filling:

Spread the butter onto the rolled out dough. Mix the sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the butter. Roll the dough up jelly roll style, starting with a long side. Pinch the seam to seal the dough after you have rolled it up. Cut into approximately 24 slices that are 3/4 inches thick. Cover the slices with plastic wrap until you are ready to work with each slice.

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of the mixture on a sheet of waxed paper, top with a slice of dough, and top with another 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon-sugar. Press or roll the dough into a 4 inch circle.

Baking:

Place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet that is coated in cooking spray. Bake 7-9 minutes or until golden brown. Cool onto wire racks.

Thank you so much for reading : ) If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe by entering your email into the subscription box on the right side of this screen! I hope that you have a fabulous weekend! XO

EASY DIY SUMMER WREATH THAT ANYONE CAN DO!!!

June 4, 2014 & 4 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

A lot of people tell me that I’m “crafty” and I do enjoy lots of different types of crafting, but I didn’t really get into it until after graduating from college. I started because I loved looking at other peoples projects, and figured I could give it a shot too. I know that everybody has different interests and talents, but I think that the main thing for a lot of crafts is just DOING IT! So, today I want to show you a DIY for a summer wreath that I *promise* anyone can accomplish! And what makes it even better is that it only uses a few easy to find supplies, and only takes 30 or so minutes. If you enjoy this, please pin it to your Pinterest account by hovering over any of the pictures and clicking the pink “pin” button that will appear : )

Ready?! Let’s get started!

SUMMER WREATH DIY:

What you’ll need:

Styrofoam wreath form (NOTE: Avaliable at craft stores or the craft sections of big box stores)

Wreath hanger

Fake flowers (TIP: I got mine at a dollar store!)

Ribbon

Wire cutters

Glue gun or other strong glue of choice

Step 1:

Use the wire cutters to cut the flowers so that there is only 1/2 inch to 1 inch of stem left.

Step 2:

Stick the flowers into the wreath to cover the styrofoam.

Step 3:

Wrap the ribbon around the wreath hanger and glue down the ends.

Step 4:

Hang up your gorgeous wreath for everyone to admire : )

That. Is. It!

I hope that you enjoyed this easy DIY project! If flowers aren’t your thing, I also saw an ADORABLE wreath using cocktail umbreallas! Don’t forget to comment if you have any questions or comments! And as always, please subscribe! Thank you and have a wonderful rest of your week!!

Our Sunday In Pictures : )

June 2, 2014 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! Connor, who is 1, got his second haircut yesterday : ) And his big sister, Hailey, who is 3, got to play outside for most of the day! Today I just wanted to do a quick post showing off my kiddos!

Somebody slept in!! SHHHHH ; )

YAY! It’s finally warm outside!!

Playground fun!!

Don’t worry, this is my *second* haircut….I’m a total pro ; )

Such a little looker!

After the haircut!

Thank you for reading this! I know not everyone wants these kinds of posts, but I want to share my family on here a little bit too : ) If you’ve enjoyed this post or like posts like this, please comment by clicking the link by the title of this post! Have a wonderful week!!

May Lifestyle Favorites and Mini Beauty Haul

May 30, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friday!!! : )

On Wednesday I did a May Beauty Favorites post, so today I am going to share my two May lifestyle favorites along with a mini beauty haul since my lifestyle favorites this month wouldn’t make a very long post ; ) If there are any movies, books, foods, apps…all that good stuff….that’d you’d like to share, please comment and let me know! I would love to hear from you : )

Lifestyle Favorites:

Food:

Quaker Lightly Salted Rice Cakes

I have been loving these with peanut butter for a quick and healthy snack! So yummy 🙂

Arrow H2O On the Go

I drink a lot of water, and the hardest part for me is refilling my bottles, so when I’m at home this is a fantastic option!

Mini Beauty Haul:

Covergirl TRUMagic The Luminizer Shimmer

I am always excited to try a new highlighter, and the texture of this sort of feels like a cream, so I was intrigued. This unfortunately is something I don’t think I will be reaching for often because the swatch shows such an obvious amount of gold glitter! With a highlight I want a subtle shimmer, not something the screams that I just applied glitter to my face. I do like the texure of this product, but I do not suggest it. They do sell a clear TRUMagic and a TRUMagic bronzer that I have heard better things about.

Jordana FabuLiner Liquid Eye Liner in 01 Black

This is liquid liner pen and I have used the dark brown but wanted to pick up the black! This is AWESOME and costs $2! I find mine at Walgreens.

Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips

This is basically just a super adorable little jar of pink Vaseline that’s got a slight soft rose smell! I LOVE the subtle scent, and I already use Vasiline on my lips, so why not pick this cutie up?! It is a VERY sheer wash of color, so don’t expect this to be as pigmented as it looks in the jar, but I am excited to have it.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 440 Cherries in the Snow

This iconic cream formula lipstick has been around since the 1950’s and I am just now picking it up! I can’t wait to wear this color!

Okay, that is it! Super quick Friday post! Be sure to check out my column “Leah’s Friday Five” on the fabulous Pearls and Pastries Shop Blog that went up today as well. If you liked this post, please subscribe! You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! Have a fabulous weekend! XO

May Beauty Favorites!

May 28, 2014 & 3 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I hope that you are all having a fantastic week so far!! Can you believe it is almost JUNE?! In my eyes once we’ve hit June, it’s summer!! Today I am going to quickly go over a few of the beauty products I have been loving this past month! What beauty products have you been reaching for? Let me know by commenting (click the link by the title of this post) or find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! I have created a Luvocracy collection to go along with this blog post if you’d like more information or would like to purchase directly online!

Let’s get started!

Face:

L’Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream

This comes out of the tube white and then color adjusts to your skin. This is a very light coverage BB cream, but slightly buildable. I am LOVING this for a light coverage “no makeup makeup” look for summer! I was a little worried it wouldn’t work on my combo/oily skin, but it actually stays very matte.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind in Brightener

This is a great salmon-y pink colored under the eye brightener that works great under concealer or on it’s own for a quick fix for tired eyes.

Benefit Blush in Rockateur

This is such a gorgeous light rosegold blush. This also isn’t as sparkly as it looks when you look at a just opened box, it is sprayed with a shine spray that coats only the top, but this does have shimmer.

L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Powder in Perfect Beige

I use this face powder as my contour and sometimes also as my bronzer. I find that it has a less orange look than a lot of actual bronzers, and I really like the way it works as a contour on my (very) light skin.

Eyes:

Benefit Gimme Brow

I think it is so key to do your eyebrows, even if you are going mostly barefaced. This is a tinted fiber brow gel that can be used with a pencil or powder, or on it’s own. I like it for days when I want very natural makeup, but don’t want to ignore my brows completely!

Covergirl Clump Crusher by Lashblast

This is one of my go-to favorite mascaras! I always have this in my rotation.

Lips:

L’Oreal Collection Privée in Doutzen

This is limited edition, but I saw it in stores last week so you *may* be able to find it in stores, or else possibly on eBay. I love love love this color!

Revlon Super Lustrous Gloss in 205 Snow Pink

This is a great neutral gloss! It’s a light peachy color with golden shimmer. It looks beautiful over nudes or pinks, and I also like it alone when I want a very minimal makeup look. I think the packaging is also very sleek.

Thank you for taking the time to read this! If you’ve enjoyed this post, please subscribe to my blog! It’s easy : ) and it’ll make my day! Have a wonderful rest of your week!

Wet n’ Wild Megalast Nail Polish! Dollar General Exclusive Colors!!

May 21, 2014 & 5 Comments

Hi There! Happy Wednesday!!

It is a BEAUTIFUL day here and I thought it would be the perfect time to talk about the bright and fun colors that Dollar General carries exclusively for Wet n’ Wild Megalast nail polish! This isn’t a new release, the colors have been in Dollar General stores for a little over a year now, but when I did my Wet n’ Wild Limited Edition Spring 2014 Collection “And The Style Award Goes To…” post I realized that some of you out there are as hooked on Wet n’ Wild Megalast as I am!! So, I thought that this post may be helpful to those of you that may not know about the Dollar General exclusives. This is one of my favorite nail polish formulas! I do not have every color, and some stores seem to carry 40 (the amount that Wet n’ Wild originally announced would be exlusive) and others have more. If you have any additional information on these exclusives, feel free to comment down below! This can be interactive! If you have any questions about specific colors, please let me know! I would be happy to help in any way I can : )

Find a Dollar General Store Near You

What You Shoud Know:

$2.00 each (some Megalast polishes are $1.50 but the Dollar General ones are labeled $2.00 here)

You know they are a Dollar General exclusive if they have a “D” before the color number. Example: D292A

Wet n’ Wild Megalast Nail Polish Dollar General Exclusive Colors:

I hope that this post was helpful to the other nail polish lovers out there! These are definitely worth a look : ) If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, please subscribe by entering your email into the subscription box on the right of this page! It’s easy! And you only get emails when I post something new!! Have a fabulous day!!

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