Month: April 2020

50% Off Shape Tape Concealer and Some Great Concealer Dupes!

50% Off Shape Tape Concealer and Some Great Concealer Dupes!

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Photo Credit: Tarte

You read that right-Shape Tape concealer is HALF PRICE! Holla!!! Ok, I’ll stop saying holla now. But, really-it’s on sale! Treat yo self, people!

I still haven’t tried Shape Tape since it’s blown up as the best selling concealer, but I have found a pretty good dupe. Not having tried shape tape, the reviews for this dupe compare to those of Shape Tape, so Ill take their word for it.

I’m talking about NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop concealer. It is full coverage and lasts all day. It doesn’t get cakey or settle in lines. It does dry down pretty quickly, so if you plan on baking with this concealer have your loose powder on hand. This is probably my favorite full coverage concealer.

My other go to concealer doesn’t really compare to Shape Tape or Can’t Stop Won’t Stop, but I use it almost daily. I typically wear a BB cream, so since it’s not full coverage, full coverage concealer looks a little crazy. I use Maybelline Instant Age Rewind for everyday use. It blends well, covers dark circles, and stays put with a little light powder.

Check out these concealers-you won’t be disappointed!

A Review: Foundation – A Love/Hate Relationship

A Review: Foundation – A Love/Hate Relationship

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My sister-in-law asked what foundation I’ve been using lately and it hit me: I have SO many foundations and I have so many that I love for many different reasons.  I call foundation a love/hate relationship because while it can make a look awesome, it can also look plastered on if you don’t use a good primer or if your skin is too dry. I figured I’d share a few of my favorite full, medium, and light coverage options I use often and some tips that help get the most wear time out of each of them.  I’d love to know some of your favorites!

After applying these foundations with a beauty blender, I follow up with a loose powder (I use Coty Airspun) and a setting spray (NYX Matte Finish is my go to) to get the most wear time out of any foundations I use.

Full Coverage

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Milani Conceal + Perfect

I’m starting with this one because it conceals EVERYTHING and doesn’t look very cakey.  Make sure to use a great moisturizer before applying and maybe a light primer.  It looks pretty natural considering how well the coverage is.  I also always follow up immediately with a loose powder and setting spray to make it last as long as possible.

L’Oreal Infallible Foundation

This is probably my favorite and most used foundation.  It goes on smoothly, covers very well without looking like you’ve caked 10 lbs of concealer on your face, and wears ALL day.  It’s also easy to build up if you need more coverage.  A little primer before applying goes a long way and finishing with loose powder and setting spray will get you an entire day of wear easily.

Maybelline Dream Urban Cover60909369241__56c18cf7-85a7-49cd-b13b-248e1af5fcbe

This is a great foundation if you’re looking for high coverage with an SPF.  It goes on pretty well, but I chose a horrible shade for my skin tone.  I’m sure if I get the right shade for my skin it will look A LOT better.  It’s still a great foundation and I’m able to make it work with some blending when I want a good SPF foundation.

Medium Coverage

60909384050__0ee27b6f-b83a-499f-a087-43f0a1e97d04Wet n’ Wild Photo Focus

You guys… this foundation doesn’t even cost $5 and it’s one of my FAVORITES of all time.  It really could be considered full coverage because it’s easily buildable.  The color match is awesome, the formula is pretty thin, so it’s easy to apply, and it looks SO good on.  You can’t go wrong with this one!

Wet n’ Wild Mega Cushion Foundation60909419825__98c44055-084d-4b48-9841-7d3543af3792

I love this foundation for something different.  It kind of gives my skin a dewey look without looking like I have an oily face.  Paired with a little loose powder it goes a long way.  The only down side to this foundation is that since it is a cushion foundation, I feel like there is a lot less product in the container.

 

 

 

Light Coverage

Burt’s Bees BB Creamimg_4315

Last, but definitely not least, Burt’s Bees BB Cream.  I use this nearly every day, so I don’t have to be careful when I apply it.  It goes on smoothly and is practically a tinted moisturizer.  It doesn’t break out my face and usually doesn’t look super oily by the end of the day if I use loose powder after applying.  I don’t usually use a beauty blender with this and it blends great.  Don’t bother with a primer because it lasts FOREVER.  Primer usually makes this foundation settle in lines and look a little thicker than it should. A little goes a long way and as long as I have a great under eye concealer, this is great for everyday wear.

Set & Forget Roast & Gravy

Set & Forget Roast & Gravy

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I’m all for easy recipes lately.  My Crock Pot and I are practically besties, so this one is a frequent go-to meal for me.  It’s easy to throw into the slow cooker in the morning, make some noodles when it’s finished, and BAM!  Meal complete!

I love when grocery stores have buy one get one free sales on roasts.  Freezer stockpile FTW!

Ingredients

  • Roast (any type or size you like!)
  • 1 can Cream of Mushroom soup (or any “cream of soup” that you prefer)
  • 1 packet brown gravy mix
  • 1 packet Lipton dry onion soup mix
  • 1 small can of mushrooms (optional)
  • 1 cup water

Directions

  1. Add roast to slow cooker.
  2. Mix soup, brown gravy mix, dry onion soup mix, mushrooms, and water together.  Pour over the roast and cook on low 8 hours.
  3. Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.  Enjoy!
Southern Blackberry Cobbler

Southern Blackberry Cobbler

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img_4268Any cobbler can be summed up in a few descriptive words: “Southern” and “YUM” both come to mind when I think of any cobbler, but especially blackberry.

I found this recipe from Key Ingredient. A lot of cobbler recipes I’ve found use Bisquick, which I currently don’t have on hand and hardly ever use. This recipe has ingredients I usually have on hand, so I decided to use this one and I’m so glad I did!  I adapted the original recipe for a 9″x13″ pan because who needs a small pan?

Ingredients

  • 3 3/4 cups fresh blackberries, washed
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, stir together berries and sugar and let it sit out for 25 to 30 minutes.
  2. When the blackberry mixture has been sitting for about 20 minutes, preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  3. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and milk with a wooden spoon. Stir in the melted butter and hand mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and you have few clumps.
  4. Pour batter into a 9″x13″ baking dish and smooth out. Pour the blackberry mixture on top and evenly distribute over the batter without stirring into the batter.
  5. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until golden on top. Remove from the oven and let sit for about 15 minutes. Serve warm or room temperature with warmed cream or fresh whipped cream.
Falsies I Can Get Behind – Lashes ANYONE Can Apply!

Falsies I Can Get Behind – Lashes ANYONE Can Apply!

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I have what I would consider normal lashes, but I always ask people what type of mascara they’re wearing when their lashes look great and they always tell me they’re wearing false lashes.  Fail.  I’m not a false lashes person.  Don’t get me wrong… I love makeup and think it’s fun to play with and try new products, but years of dance has practically landed me in false lash trauma therapy.  I HATED false lashes during competition season.  They were easy enough to apply, but they were just a pain if they came loose, the glue dried up before the bottle was even opened, a pair ripped, whatever the reason was, they were a pain.

Screen Shot 2020-04-16 at 9.52.39 PM
Photo Credit: Target

I found magnetic Ardell lashes and thought, “Hmmm… maybe?”.  That was a big ole nope.  They stuck to each other in the middle of my real lashes.  Not attractive.  Not to mention since they’re two pairs of lashes that stick to one another just picture what three layers of lashes look like.  Like a caterpillar is attacking both of your eyelashes.  Not a good look, just take it from me.

Now, I’ve heard a lot of people talk about Silly George magnetic lashes.  A magnetic eyeliner is applied and the lashes are attracted to the eyeliner.  The lashes never seem to look too fluffy, full, or fake, so I thought I’d check this option out.  Uhhhh… $40 for fake lashes I might hardly or never wear?  Next!

Screen Shot 2020-04-16 at 10.01.45 PM
Photo Credit: Amazon

The only logical solution to my search was… AMAZON.  Amazon solves all of life’s problems, right?  Behold… the solution to all of your false lash needs.  I basically found Silly George lashes on a budget, you guys!  You should read the reviews.  It made it sound like my 2 year old could apply them and wear them for a night out.  Where would a 2 year old wear false lashes?  Why would he wear falsies period?  I don’t know… back to the lashes…

The eyeliner is easy to apply and the directions say to apply 2 coats.  I HATE liquid liner and this liner was the easiest liquid liner I’ve ever applied.  Once fully dry the lashes simply follow the liner and stay put.  THAT IS IT.  Seriously, it’s that easy.  The awesome part about this kit is there are two sets of lashes for a full, fluffy look and a set that I would consider a “daily wear” set.  They are SO good.  You can’t beat the price (it seems to fluctuate, but it’s typically around $15-20) and they’re so easy to apply.  Try them-I guarantee you’ll love them!

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 Quarantine – Day 34

COVID-19 Quarantine – Day 34

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So, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately after being inundated daily with posts in favor of quarantine, in favor of governmental control of protest or corporate worship, governmental control of outdoor activities (even going for a drive in your own personal vehicle), praise for government officials who supposedly “have our best interest in mind” and how we should gladly submit to their every order because “they know best”.  I’ve also done some thinking about the numerous “Be kind”, “Is it worth arguing or losing a friend over ‘being right’?”, or “But I’ve seen first hand sick people during this situation, so [insert reason the government is justified here]” statements.

Since everyone else is entitled to their brash and harsh comments about why these officials should be praised and why I should sit down and shut up because I don’t know what’s good for myself or my family, I’ll gladly provide my opinion. Yes.  Yes it absolutely is worth losing a “friendship” over being “right” in this instance.  This isn’t about being right.  Far from it.  It is about finding out where an individual’s standards and core values lie.  When “kindness” trumps truth, this is where I draw the line.  Praising an individual (or group of people) in power because you are fearful and provide them with full control and admiration regardless of their moral integrity (or lack of), I will disappointingly, but willingly, bow out of that friendship or acquaintanceship.

Don’t misunderstand this for disagreement or healthy discussion.  Opinion is always open for discussion and healthy, respectful discussion is what creates a productive society.  Something bigger is at stake during all of this craziness, though-truth.  What is the TRUTH?  If I lose friendship because a friend has chosen emotion, political correctness, or fear over truth, then it is time for that friendship to end.  I have two precious children that I pray over every day that God will provide them with discernment.  Discernment for what is right in God’s eyes.  I pray that they will grow to be loving, God-fearing men who speak the truth.

In a time where truth is pretty unpopular, from what I can tell, stand for truth.

Set and Forget Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops with Gravy

Set and Forget Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops with Gravy

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This recipe is my go-to when I forget to plan dinner.  Pork chops are often on sale, so I stock up when they are and pull them out to thaw the night before (or, let’s be honest… nothing thaws in the fridge in 24 hours… I pull them out to thaw a few days before or just throw them in frozen.  I always have the ingredients on hand, they have a long shelf life, and WHO DOESN’T LIKE RANCH?!  I found this recipe on Pinterest and it originates from unOriginal Mom.

Ingredients

  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix (or make your own – see recipe at the bottom*)
  • 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (or other “Cream of” soup)
  • 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup (or other “Cream of” soup)
  • 4-6 boneless pork chops (thawed or frozen)

Directions

  1. Combine soup and ranch ingredients in small bowl.
  2. Place pork chops in Crock Pot and pour soup mixture over pork chops.
  3. Cook on high 4-6 hours or low 6-8 hours.

*Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe

  • 2 Tbsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp dried dill
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
COVID-19 Quarantine – Day 28

COVID-19 Quarantine – Day 28

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Happy GOOD Friday, guys!  It sure doesn’t feel like spring, it was a super busy, crazy, not-many-things-went-right kind of day, but kiddos sure brighten your day anyways when you get to hang out with them.  I overheard our oldest telling my husband that “in three days Jesus came back!”.  I couldn’t be prouder of that little man!  He was so excited to color Easter Eggs all day, but was so patient.  He even cleaned his entire room by himself without me even asking.  He said “You know, my room’s kind of a mess.  I’m going to go clean it up now.”  Parent jackpot?  I think so…

img_4088

Here’s an odd question… we’re at home for Easter.  No church service.  No giant family gatherings.  Our kids’ haircuts are compliments of dad, so they’re crazy at this point.  Are sweatpants acceptable this year?  Not asking for a friend…

Easy Italian Herb Parmesan Quick Bread

Easy Italian Herb Parmesan Quick Bread

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img_4082I cannot emphasize the word EASY enough.  Seriously.  I’m not a baker.  I love to cook, but for some reason baking has never been my thing.  I either over or under bake nearly everything, so bread is usually a no-go for me.  I happened to see this recipe on Pinterest and thought “Yeah… I bet you need yeast!”.  Nope.  Then I thought, “Pfffft.  I bet you have to knead it.  Not gonna happen!”.  Nope again. Ugh… I ran out of excuses not to try it, and I’m so glad I did!  It’s a pretty dense bread, but the flavor reminds me of the bread at Bravo (yeah… totally drooling with you!).  It has a nice crust on the outside due to the parmesan cheese and has plenty of flavor.  The thing I liked most about this recipe was that I already had all of the ingredients on hand.  To me, that’s a great recipe!  If you’d like to check out the original recipe, you can find it at Kudos Kitchen by Renee.

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons dehydrated onion
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese plus 1 tablespoon for topping
  • 2 cups milk OR buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar OMIT IF USING BUTTERMILK

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

  2. To make the buttermilk add the milk and vinegar to a medium size bowl and stir.
  3. If using store bought buttermilk, omit the above step.

  4. Place all of the dry ingredients (except for the cheese to top the bread) into a large bowl and whisk to combine.

  5. Pour in the milk mixture into the flour mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until it’s a thick, lumpy and pasty consistency.
  6. Spoon the batter evenly into a loaf pan that has been liberally sprayed with cooking spray.

  7. Top the batter with the remaining Parmesan cheese and bake in a preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.

  8. Allow the loaf to cool for 5 minutes and then turn the loaf out onto a cooling rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
COVID-19 Quarantine – Day 27

COVID-19 Quarantine – Day 27

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There are a lot of things I’ll actually miss about this quarantine.  I’ve been thinking about how strange it will be when the stay-at-home order is lifted.  It’s not like I’ll be racing out anywhere as soon as it’s lifted.  My favorite things have always seemed to be at home for the most part, so it will be an adjustment to get back to the business of life and honestly, I’m not ready for it.

After talking to a friend earlier today about being quarantined, we both agreed there are some things we will actually miss.  Here are some things I will definitely miss:

  • An excuse to NOT be busy.  Since when did we need an excuse to say “No”?!  Really… why do I feel that I need an excuse to spend time with my own children and not rush them here or there or to visit people when I barely get to spend time with them unless it’s taking them to an activity?  That’s not good, guys… I’ll take this as long as I can get it!
  • Baking.  I know, I know… I like to cook, not bake.  BUT, being stuck at home has made me feel like I should at least attempt to improve my baking skills.  Stop the snickering… I said attempt! Haha!
  • Working from home.  It’s insane how much more work I can get done at home.  I do miss my beautifully decorated office at work, though, so there’s that.
  • Letting chores go to spend time with my kids.  Again, why in the world do I need an excuse to do this?  The house is dirtier than it’s been in so long and I’m home all day every day.  It’s a new physics theory I’ve developed: the greater the quantity of time at home, the dirtier the home.  It’s science.
  • Always having gas.  Gas is cheaper than when I started driving (and no, I’m not telling you when that was…) and because there’s nowhere to go I don’t even remember the last time I filled up.
  • Having to be creative with the dinner menu.  The urge to grab takeout has declined and I’ve realized that it’s easier just to make dinner.  Who would’ve guessed?  The interesting part about that is when I’m out of something I can’t find or don’t want to go to the store to get I have to get creative.
  • Teaching my kids at home.  Our oldest son has thrived learning at home.  He was blessed with an amazing kindergarten teacher.  It is her first year teaching and the kids adore her.  She is ROCKING distance learning through all of this, so I give her mad props.  I love getting everything ready for him to work on every day and seeing him problem solve on his own.  He thrives in creative situations and this is about as creative as it gets.
  • A flexible work schedule.  I have about as flexible of a schedule as you can get.  I am so grateful for my job it’s not even funny, but somehow I’ve managed to be even more flexible and productive during this.
  • Realizing who your real friends are.  I mean your REAL friends.  If people want to stay in touch with you, this situation will have no effect on real friendships.  If anything this entire situation has left me feeling great about purging “acquaintances” on social media.  Ain’t nobody got time for that kind of nonsense in life.
  • Gardening.  I haven’t planted a garden the past several years because… baby.  I don’t know if you’ve heard, but babies keep you busy, guys.  It’s not exactly easier now that our youngest is a toddler, but we’re at home, so there’s no excuse!

Keep enjoying precious time with your family.  This quarantine has been exhausting and a little scary at times, but sweet nonetheless.  Maybe we need to reflect on what God is teaching us in moments like these, not what we feel we’re missing out on.