lifestyle favorites

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!! : )

July Favorites!

August 1, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friday!!!!!

After grabbing my favorite items for this post I was going to break it up into sections of beauty items vs. lifestyle items, take invidual photos, do swatches…the whole nine yards! But then I decided it is FRIDAY and who wants to read all that?! So, if you have any questions on any of the products mentioned *please* feel free to comment and I will absolutely get back to you! I may go back to doing favorites more like this or maybe I’ll stick to something more short and sweet like this. I also want to start mention any product flops…it could be helpful! : ) You can definitely let me know your opinions as well!

Now, let’s jump into it!

JULY FAVORITES:

1) “She…” by Kobi Yamada

This book is so special and would be a beautiful gift for any girl. Each page has an inspiring message and the books deisgn is stunning.

2) Hair Donut

Okay, so at first these reminded me of Bumpits (who remembers those from a few years back? Yes, I totally had one! NO worries!) and I was pretty unsure but late last year I picked up a hair donut….I love it! It makes doing the perfect sock bun so easy, and yes I realize you can do it with a sock, but this just works so well for me! This isn’t a new item to me, but it’s a rediscovered favorite, and I’ve been loving it for second day hair. You can get them at Claire’s or Ulta, but I got mine off Amazon.

3) Sparkly Gold Coaster

I just made these glitter coasters for a DIY and I am in love! They are so cute and functional. They make everyday special and I love things like that.

4) Scotch Expressions Washi Tape

I love washi tape and having them so accessable now from companies like Scotch is so conveinient! I like these for hanging up things on my wall, sealing envelopes, and countless craft projects.

5) Zoya Nail Polish in Rooney

I mentioned this in my post What I Wore to the Michigan Girls Blogging and Social Media Meet Up and it has been on my nails a large majority of the summer. It’s a beautiful hot pink that leans on the blue toned side and it goes on perfectly every time.

6) Essie Nail Polish in Urban Jungle

This is a gorgeous nude that is unlike anything I own! It isn’t white but also isn’t nude…it’s the perfect off white, neutral color! It is described as “alabaster orchid”. Out of all the nail polishes I have, Essie is always my biggest crush, and this one doesn’t disappoint.

7) Too Faced Natural Eyes

These 9 neutral eye shadows are super pigmented and blend like a dream! I adore this little kit!!

8) Arboone Lip Saver Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

This product I’ve only had for the better part of a week, so considering it a July favorite is a *bit* of a strech…BUT it’s wonderful! I’ve used it every day since I’ve had it and like putting it on before my lip color. It doesn’t have a yucky sunscreen taste and it is a very shiny chapstick that could truly be worn alone for a nautral summer look.

9) Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in 235 Pink Pop

Super pigmented, long wearing, not too sticky but sticky enough to last more than 10 minutes….I love this lip gloss! The packaging is chic and looks very high end to me which is fabulous for the drugstore price tag. The color Pink Pop is so fun for summer and you can wear this alone and still achive a very hot pink lip.

10) Anthropologie Marbled Sunglasses

I really wanted a pair of round sunglasses and when I saw these with the rose gold toned glitter and tortoise?! I was sold!

11) Lucky Girl Hair Ties

These are my favorite hair ties right now and I love that they cute on my wrists as well. I don’t tend to wear my hair up, but on days when I rock an Elsa braid (as my 3 year old calls it!), I use these : )

12) Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit

This is SO amazing! I have been using this nearly every day lately! The contour colors blend out flawlessly and they never look muddy or organge even on my super fair complextion.

That’s it : ) Now, I want to know! What have YOU (yes, YOU!!) been loving lately? I would love to hear your thoughts, product suggestions, and opinions! So let me know by commenting…it’s easy, just click the link by the title of this post. Also, what are your plans for the weekend? I am *super* excited because the hubster and I are going to a Manchester United soccer game…..eeeeeep!!!! Thank you for reading and please subscribe if you enjoy my posts : ) Have a fabulous weekend loves!!

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

APRIL LIFESTYLE FAVORITES AND BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!!!

May 2, 2014 & 1 Comment

Hi There! HAPPY FRIDAY!! : )

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!
I am THRILLED to announce that I am going to be writing a bi-weekly column for Pearls and Pastries Shop blog!! I wrote a guest post, Guest Blogger-Leah Tackles, and am so excited to be a part of it regularly now! My column is called Leah’s Friday Five, and my first post went up today! I will still be posting on the same Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule on Leah Tackles. Please check out my column as well as the rest of Lauren’s blog and her AMAZING Pearls and Pastries Shop on Etsy!

Now today as promised I want to do a quick and to the point post on my lifestyle favorites for the month of April!

APRIL LIFESTYLE FAVORITES:

iPhone App:

Groovebook

This app costs $2.99/month and you can print up to 100 photos from your phones photo albums! I love this for scrapbooking and because I am horrible about not printing photos for months at a time!!

TV Show:

Hart of Dixie

I have loved Rachel Bilson since her days on The O.C (I bonded with my college roommates instantly over that show!) and she is just as lovable in this. The show is about a doctor, Zoe (Rachel Bilson), from NYC who ends up living in a tiny town in Alabama…hilarity ensues ; ) But my favorite part of the show is the fashion! Oh my goodness I love it!! I want it all!

Book:

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

I am in the middle of listening to this on Audible.com and I think it’s such an awesome idea! Even if you only take a way a few pieces of advice or ideas, I think it’s worth a listen. The book is about her journey each month working on different aspects of her life over the course of a year to make her life happier.

Girl Power Favorite:

Gretchen Rubin

She is the author of The Happiness Project, and I just think it’s pretty gutsy for someone to admit that they are happy but could be happier : )

Workout:

C25K iPhone App

I did the Couch to 5K early last year and loved it! I recently had been trading in my 30 minute runs for walks and needed a way to get back into running! And this app works! I hadn’t been running since having my daughter in 2011 and when I first used this app I was skeptical. I love it!

Song:

Dark Horse by Katy Perry

I.Can’t.Stop.Singing.This!

Movie:

Frozen

My 3 year old just got this for her birthday! HOW CUTE! I already loved the songs, now I am hooked on the movie too! It’s SO good!

Food:

Blue Diamond Natural Oven Roasted Almonds in Dark Chocolate

One of my best friends sent me some of these in a care package over a year ago and I have been hooked ever since! I like chocolate at night, and these really do the trick! I count out servings (yes, seriously) most of the time so I don’t go too crazy…but you really don’t need to because a few go a long way!

Kale Chips:

Oh my goodness! These are amazing! I have made 3 batches since last week! I am a nighttime snacker! Stephan and I usually stay up pretty late getting things done and getting some kiddo-free time while they are sleeping, so I always want a snack after dinner! I am going to make a kale chip recipe post soon!! : )

Home:

King Cube Tray

This is a silicone ice cube tray that makes giant ice cubes! It is suggested for use in cocktails, but can also be used iced tea or soda. It’s awesome because it doesn’t dilute your drink nearly as much as traditional ice cubes.

Copper Milagro Heart

This is a beautiful rustic copper heart that we got recently as a gift from my mom (thank you!!). The Spanish word “Milagro” means “Miracle” and it’s a beautiful handmade reminded of the miracle of love. I am going to be hanging this over my desk on my gallery wall.

Favorite Moments:

1) My son, Connor, walking!
2) My daughter, Hailey, blowing out her birthday candles!
3) Watching Frozen with my hubster, Steph, while the kids were asleep!

Okay, that’s it : ) I hope that you have a wonderful weekend!! If you have any questions or comments, please let me know! What have been your lifestyle favorites lately? I would love to hear about them! You can comment by clicking the link by the title of this post, or find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! And if you enjoyed this post, please subscribe!

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!!