tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85907267937669365022024-02-20T10:17:03.141-08:00Girl in a Magical WorldI'm just a girl rambling about pretty, happy things and the float-y space of being a Twenty-Something.Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-72525859588087535212016-01-11T18:10:00.000-08:002016-01-11T18:10:57.496-08:00Tone It Up Challenge Week 1 Recap<div style="text-align: left;">
I had a surprisingly easy time sticking to the first week of the Tone It Up challenge. While I discuss some of the challenges below, I followed the plan perfectly until Friday's dinner and still made good plan-aligned choices through the weekend. I'll definitely be making some changes to the plan next week (I'm looking at you, chicken breast) but all in all I'm excited to be back on the TIU wagon. I can already see some physical changes and I've lost 2 lbs this week. I definitely recommend printing out the plan and writing down any changes you're making to the week on the sheets. I've been keeping the current day's print out on the counter in the kitchen so I don't have to worry about remembering what each meal is. I made some changes to the plan that are totally TIU Approved in order to make meals more enjoyable for me. A dollop of Dijon mustard in the oil + vinegar dressing on the kale salad made my heart sing and adding a few chopped scallions, lime juice, some curry powder, and a little mango chutney to my chicken and Greek yogurt made a boring wrap filling into a funky chicken salad. I listed out the good and the bad for this week, as well as what I'll be changing up to make next week as successful as possible. I also added salt to pretty much every recipe so that I didn't pass out - if you didn't know, I have very low blood pressure and low-sodium is a no-go for me! </div>
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<b><u>The Good</u></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>I loved the breakfasts, snacks, and lunches this week. I have re-fallen in love with protein pancakes (which used to be a staple item in my breakfast rotation) and marinating kale actually made such a huge difference that I actually liked the kale salads. I never felt hungry or deprived - I was eating real food and enjoying it.</li>
<li>I seemed to find a good balance for meal prep where I prepped enough to make following the plan easy but not so much that I was only eating microwaved food. The only meal I struggled with was M5 (dinner), which I talk about below.</li>
<li>I followed the meal plan perfectly until Friday M5, which was much better than I anticipated.</li>
<li>I worked out every day this week and only missed one thing from the weekly plan. I had a lot of life stuff come up on Thursday and I was unable to get my cardio in before work and so I just came home at 8:30 and did the foam rolling routine. </li>
<li>I've lost 2 lbs this week!</li>
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<b><u>The Bad</u></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>I was so sick of chicken breast by Friday. </li>
<li>I really dislike having leftovers or the same thing multiple times a week for dinner. Both Wednesday and Thursday I barely ate any of my dinner because the food sounded so unappetizing to me. It was weird because I really enjoyed those meals when I had them Monday and Tuesday, but the second time around I was sick of it. I think the chicken burnout contributed to this as well. </li>
<li>In addition to never wanting to look at a chicken breast again, I was totally protein-ed out, if that's even a thing. Every meal was so high in protein I was barely hungry by dinner, which I think might also be why I didn't want to eat my M5 the second half of the week. I craved fruit & pasta at night pretty much the whole week, even when I wasn't that physically hungry.</li>
<li>By Friday night all I wanted was a serving of pasta for dinner - so I made pasta. I was so bummed out all day because the idea of having more chicken for dinner was depressing. It was a simple one-pot pasta dish but it was the best dinner I ate all week just because there wasn't any chicken in it. Even with having 2 servings of the pasta, I was still within my calorie goal for the day, so I felt fine about the whole thing. It wasn't TIU Approved, but I seriously thought I was going to cry if I ate chicken for another meal.</li>
<li>I forgot I was going to be out of the house all day Saturday! I didn't get back home until 10 and I certainly wasn't going to cook chicken drumsticks for an hour and eat at 11 PM. I ended up having pasta leftovers, which were delicious. I regret nothing.</li>
<li>Did I mention I am really sick of chicken breast?</li>
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<u><b>The Changes</b></u></div>
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<li>I'm diversifying my protein choices this week. I'm definitely going to be eating pork tenderloin for a couple of meals! I'll also be adding in more chicken drumsticks and other non-breast cuts for dinner - I take a cue from Gina at <a href="http://skinnytaste.com/">Skinnytaste.com</a> and pull the skin off to make them lower calorie! </li>
<li>Since this weekend is my 1 year wedding anniversary, I've already owned up that we'll be going out to eat both Saturday and Sunday night. Knowing I'm going to have 2 meals I'll really enjoy at the end of the week helps me stick to the plan Monday through Friday. </li>
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Overall, I'm very excited with the results I'm already seeing. Other than my dinner issues, I loved the food I was eating and I think I'm making appropriate changes to make the plan work for me. Are any of you following the challenge this year? Let me know what your struggles and successes this week were in the comments! I wish you all the best in the 2nd week of the challenge and I'll be back next week with another recap!</div>
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XOXO Samantha</div>
Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-36424098967974419312016-01-04T11:16:00.001-08:002016-01-04T11:29:39.484-08:00Tone It Up Challenge // Why I Love TIU & How I Plan for Challenges!! <div style="text-align: left;">
Happy New Year!! With the New Year comes resolutions, so it's no surprise I've been getting a lot of questions about <a href="https://www.toneitup.com/">Tone It Up</a>! I've wanted to share my experience with TIU with you guys for a while, but with the 12 Spreads of Christmas, I didn't have time to film another video! I attempted to film a fitness PWM where I discussed this, but I was very unhappy with the results and decided that my blog would be a better place to talk about my goals for this upcoming challenge, what Tone It Up is all about, and what my experience with them has been like.</div>
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I will say that I have followed the TIU workouts much more religiously than the meal plan. About a year ago (right around the time I purchased the plan) I was struggling with binge eating and I gained a significant amount of weight for my height. I sought treatment for my eating issues and have learned much more effective outlets for dealing with stress and anxiety than binge eating! I feel like my weight gain is something I needed to mention as I've been following TIU for 2 years - I was not following their meal plan AT ALL even though I would frequently make meals from their plan and enjoyed them. Even as I gained weight, I could see tangible results from the workouts. I was significantly more flexible in my yoga practice, I had to buy progressively heavier weights, and I had increased endurance. </div>
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Before I talk about what TIU is and what I like about it, I want to address some of the most common complaints or concerns I see when people talk about the plan.</div>
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<ul>
<li>It is not a "starvation diet." The plan works for both weight loss and weight maintenance. You are encouraged to calculate your BMR and your TDEE and to be aware of your caloric needs. They lay out a plan for you, but also give lists of foods that are between 100 & 250 calories to reach an appropriate caloric intake for your body and fitness goals. </li>
<li>The "Seven Day Slimdown" is not representative of the plan as a whole. It is meant to be something you do infrequently (as in only once or twice a year, if ever) before a big event. If you don't feel comfortable doing this, then don't do it! It isn't required for success on the plan. They specifically say to NEVER go below 1200 calories and to eat more if you are feeling light headed or weak. You also cut back on your workouts while doing this short plan. Many of the harsh reviews online seem to think that the 7DSD is what you are encouraged to eat like every day, which is ridiculous. </li>
<li>It is not a low carb or restrictive diet. They encourage you to eat fruit and healthy starches! They also want you to be able to enjoy the food you really love at parties or holidays - they never say you shouldn't enjoy your favorites occasionally!! The guide has tips on how to enjoy the foods you love on special occasions without overindulging. </li>
<li>You can use heavy weights! They have frequently said that they use 5 lb weights when they film because they have to film the same routines over and over and they wouldn't be able to do that with heavier weights. They want you to increase your weight as your strength increases!! Many critiques mention that they only use the light weights in videos, but they seem to miss the part where Karina and Katrina encourage you to lift heavier.</li>
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So what IS Tone It Up? Overall, the plan lays out what you should eat during the day. K&K encourage you to know your calorie needs and adjust your meals accordingly. They are now including the calorie counts of recipes in the plan which makes it easier than ever to know how much you are eating. The plan as a whole functions as more of an exchange system, where they lay out how much of each food group you should eat at each meal. There are also 8 week guides included for this past bikini series and this TIU challenge that is just starting. If you are new to the plan, the guides are the best place to start to see what a day on the plan looks like. </div>
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One of my favorite parts of TIU is the wonderful community of supportive women. I find it astounding that there is such a kind community on the Internet - women are honest and vulnerable with each other and receive support and love in return. People don't judge or tear down; they build up and encourage. There is no snark, no drama, no "Bye Felicia" moments... while occasionally outsiders may come in on social media and troll, the people actually in the community are wonderful. You do NOT have to purchase the plan to be a part of this community - it's free! I follow at least 100 TIU accounts on Instagram and I love seeing both the positive and the struggles. It makes me feel like I'm not alone!! Check out hashtags like #toneitup, #tiuteam, or #tiumeals to get an idea of what the community is like!</div>
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The workouts are also entirely free. While you can buy DVDs, you do not have to be a nutrition plan member to get them and they are a much lower price point than the plan. The YouTube videos are just as challenging as the DVD workouts, though usually a little shorter. (I'm looking at you, <a href="https://youtu.be/8-59BJffDNc">HIITy Bitty Bikini</a>!!) Their workouts over the past 2 years have definitely increased in difficulty - the workouts during this past Bikini Series are pretty representative of what the DVDs are like and what a typical new workout feels like. If you are not sure about the plan, I would encourage you to use the free resources - the workouts, the community, the free recipes posted on the website! </div>
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So why do I feel like TIU works for me?</div>
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<li>When I used to do a lot of running, I never felt like I was done with a workout, which led to issues with overexercising. I like having a plan laid out and having someone else tell me what I have to do. I feel a sense of completion when I check off my workouts each day and I no longer feel the urge to overdo it. I am totally fine taking days off if I am tired, sick, busy, or just don't feel like it - as my planner shows!! </li>
<li>I love the emphasis on body positivity - they want you to workout and eat well as a way to take care of yourself, not as a form of punishment. They never talk negatively about bodies or body parts - never anything about jiggly legs or flabby tummies. There is only positive talk about how working out can strengthen your body.</li>
<li>I love that they also encompass the mental/emotional part of taking care of your body. They really want you to focus on self care in many capacities, which is something I struggle with! Journaling, visualization, taking time for myself, making myself a priority... these are all things I've started doing regularly with encouragement from TIU. </li>
<li>The plan has REAL FOOD. While I don't know that I'll ever eat some of the recipes featuring seaweed or kelp, those are few and far between. The plan has encouraged me to try so many new things that have become fast favorites: quinoa, kale, Brussels sprouts, various nuts and seeds, tofu, cacao nibs, & chia seeds! I never feel like I'm eating "diet" food when I make a recipe from the plan. It's because it isn't diet food - the plan is designed to be something you adapt to use for weight loss or just living a healthy lifestyle. </li>
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Is there anything I don't like about TIU?</div>
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<ul>
<li>I have an undergrad degree in pre-med biology and I worked in a health psychology lab my junior and senior year. I have little patience for "bro-science." While most of the plan is nutritionally and scientifically sound, some small components like alkalinity of food and your body are mentioned and I choose to ignore that as I don't see the scientific evidence to back this up. Overall this isn't a problem... there are maybe 2 pages I just ignore!</li>
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<b><u>How I Plan for Success</u></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Meal Planning! I've talked about how I meal plan in my fitness PWMs, but I start by writing down all the meals I want to make that week. Since the 8 week guide lays out what I'm eating, I edited it slightly to accommodate my likes and dislikes - for instance, I subbed out shredded chicken for tuna and since I had a couple blocks of tofu in the fridge I decided to use that instead of chicken in one of the recipes that is repeated several times during the week. Then I went through the recipes and wrote down all the ingredients I didn't already have in my kitchen - voila! A shopping list :) </li>
<li>Sunday grocery shopping. If you've watched even one PWM, you know I shop on Sundays. I like to have all my food ready to go for Monday so I don't have to worry about having the right breakfast or lunch. </li>
<li>Meal Prep! While I hate microwaved meat, there are definitely some prepping steps I still do. I chopped bell peppers and onions for egg scrambles and other dishes. I sauted some of them for another dish so I can just assemble. I pressed, cut, and baked the tofu for teriyaki bowls. I put chicken in the slow cooker to make shredded chicken for chicken salad and to add to salads. I will still do a little cooking each day, but having some components already done makes sticking to the meal plan so much easier. </li>
<li>Write down your workouts!! I use an Erin Condren Life Planner as my fitness planner. I list all my workouts using Planner Kate's workout stickers. It helps me plan out my week better and I'm never surprised if I have a longer workout one day or I need to go to the gym instead of working out at home. </li>
<li>Write down your goals! Sit down and think about what you want to get out of this challenge and where you hope to be when it is over. How will you achieve that? What is realistic? How can you push yourself and stretch yourself? </li>
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I also wanted to share my goals with you for the next 8 weeks. My big picture fitness goal is to be at my goal weight for my sister-in-law's wedding in May. I have currently lost about 25% of the weight I want to lose. I hope to have reached 75% of that goal by the end of the challenge, which I think is a realistic amount - 10 lbs over 8 weeks.</div>
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<b><u>Goals</u></b></div>
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<li>I will reach 130 lbs, which represents 75% of my total weight loss goal.</li>
<li>I will choose to take care of my body by following the TIU 8 Week Guide for each meal during the next 8 weeks.</li>
<li>I will take time to journal and visualize my goals each day.</li>
<li>I will do 100 miles of cardio by the end of the challenge.</li>
<li>I will feel strong & confident in a body that is well taken care of.</li>
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I am hoping to do an update post each week of the challenge. If you are interested in seeing what I'm eating each day, make sure you are following me on snapchat at SamanthaPlans. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments! I'm more than happy to answer :) </div>
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XOXO Samantha</div>
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Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-43724844103115769322015-09-09T07:19:00.002-07:002015-12-30T13:23:08.452-08:00Plan With Me: FAQ Hey guys!<br />
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If you're visiting my blog, thanks for reading! This will help answer some of my most frequently asked questions - perhaps you've wondered a few of these things yourself! If you've been linked here, it means that the question you asked in the YouTube comments of one of my videos has been answered below. I've been answering some variation of the same questions over and over in the comments section of my videos, and it's starting to become both tiresome and time consuming. However, I want to make sure you get answers to your questions and aren't floating in confusion! I will be adding to and editing this as new FAQs pop up or as information changes.<br />
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<b>**General Policy on Deleting Comments**</b><br />
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If you are mean about anything, I will delete your comment. We are each entitled to our opinion, but there is a nice way of saying it and there is a mean/hateful way of saying it. When in doubt, please just leave the video instead of leaving nasty comments about how much you dislike my spread or think I'm wasting money. I choose to simply delete these instead of letting them upset me. Mean spirited comments about what I choose to spend my time and money on will not be tolerated. I would like the comment section to be a happy, kind place. <b>THIS IS NOT ABOUT CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK.</b> If something isn't your favorite, you are more than welcome to say it! I love your feedback. But as I said, there is a nice way to leave constructive feedback. Simply telling me "what a waste of money" isn't constructive or nice.<br />
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<b>What planner is this?</b><br />
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It's the Erin Condren Vertical Life Planner. You can find it at <a href="https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/samanthacarson1019">erincondren.com</a>. If you click the link and sign up for emails, you'll get $10 off your first purchase. I also use SewMuchCrafting inserts that I keep in a Kikki K large planner. You can find a variety of inserts at <a href="https://goo.gl/tbimFZ">SewMuchCrafting's etsy shop.</a><br />
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<b>Why do you do this? What's the point?</b><br />
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I do this because it's fun! For me, it is almost like scrapbooking my week. I am also more likely to use my planner if it is pretty and fun to look at. There isn't a right or wrong way to plan. This is just how I like to do it! Decorating my planner is pretty much my favorite thing I do each week. If it wasn't fun for me, I wouldn't do it. So if no white space planning sounds like it would be stressful for you, don't do it!<br />
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<b>Why are your videos so long/sped up?</b><br />
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Video length is a very fine line I have to walk. There are many who hate that I speed stuff up at all, and there are some who think they are too long as is! I try to include my WHOLE planning process, and speed through repetitive actions like laying down headers or checklists across the whole week. For instance, my <a href="https://youtu.be/qCtyCsMJFnE">30 minute space themed PWM </a> was about an hour of raw footage. I only cut out a few minutes of it (long pauses while I was finding stickers, etc) and so speeding up the repetitive parts makes the video a manageable size for me to upload and also just the right length for most people to be relatively happy. If I am talking or sharing important information, I will return the video to normal speed. There are also videos in which I talk constantly almost the entire time I film - some people like these hour long chatty PWM videos and others don't. I can only please so many people at once, and I try to make the kinds of videos I would want to watch. If my videos aren't your thing, that's fine! We can still be friends :)<br />
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<b>Why do you put down washi tape at the bottom of your page if you just put stickers over it?</b><br />
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I don't like seeing the white space between and around boxes. I also frequently use the Scribble Prints Co Half Box Heart Checklists at the bottom of the page and they have rounded edges. I just like the look of having the color around the boxes. Washi tape is an inexpensive way to achieve this look.<br />
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<b>Why did you put down full boxes if you were just going to put labels over them?</b><br />
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I don't always know what is going to happen each day of the week and since I like the no white space look I go ahead and do the foundation of my planner (full boxes on the whole thing) and then add icons, labels, decoration, etc. both during my plan with me videos and as the week goes on. On camera, you also can't tell that the Planner Kate labels have rounded edges. It would drive me NUTS to see the tiny little triangles of white at the corners of these labels. I put the labels down on the full boxes to avoid this.<br />
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<b>Why do you cover your whole planner with stickers?</b><br />
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I do "no white space" planning, which, as the name suggests, means I do not leave white space on my planner. Many people seem to think that I am covering my planner because I don't like the functionality of it. My planner decorating does add some functionality (with checkboxes and such) but for the most part I decorate because it makes my planner look nice and it is fun to do. I love that the EC Vertical is very much a blank slate so that I can decorate to my heart's content. If you do not like no white space planning, please feel free to click out of my video and watch a planner video that is more in line with your tastes instead of telling me that you don't like no white space videos. Come back for the videos you do like! I promise we will still be friends :)<br />
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<b>This is so wasteful. (I know this isn't a question, but people keep saying this.)</b><br />
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I don't judge your hobbies, so don't judge mine. For example, I might think paying $5 for a latte is wasteful, but I wouldn't post this on every photo of a PSL I see on Instagram because we each find different value in different purchases. To each their own. There are many within the planner community who like doing no white space planning, and there are many who don't. It's all personal preference. Just because you like something different for yourself, doesn't mean my choices are wrong.<br />
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<b>What are your favorite shops?</b><br />
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My top 3 favorite shops are (in no particular order) <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/scribbleprintsco">Scribble Prints Co</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PlannerKate1">Planner Kate</a>, and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageGypsyRoad">Vintage Gypsy Road</a>. I love Planner Kate for her functional stickers and VGR for their decorative stickers & kits (though Whitney is starting to release more functional stickers, which makes me SO happy). SPC has both. Honorable mentions include:<br />
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<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PlannerGems">Planner Gems</a> for her icons</li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetKawaiiDesign">Sweet Kawaii Design</a> for cute kawaii decorative stickers & icons</li>
<li><a href="https://goo.gl/yciBj1">The Glam Planner</a> for decorative kits</li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/milaprintshop">Mila Print Sho</a>p (she has custom made me ombre heart checklists)</li>
<li><a href="https://goo.gl/9kvcM0">One Orange Snowflake</a> for her chevron stickers in multiple colors & patterns</li>
<li><a href="https://goo.gl/NO0FGH">Yellow Paper House</a> for their travelers notebooks</li>
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<b>Can you do a planner update video?/Can you show all your previous spreads?</b></div>
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I will be posting one every 6 months. If you want to see my midweek and end of the week updates, check out <a href="https://instagram.com/girlinamagicalworld/">my Instagram</a>.</div>
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Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-39158019818407332112014-01-21T08:02:00.001-08:002014-01-21T08:02:11.253-08:00January 2014 Empties - and a Video!Hey guys!<br />
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Since today's bag of empties was so big, I thought the easiest way to get though it would be in a video. Plus, I'm always terrified of posting a video but I decided to suck it up and get over my fear. I'm always scared it's going to be bad quality, awkward talking, etc - and I'm sure my video is all of those things plus more! I decided to just do it anyways :)<br />
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I recently cleaned out my vanity and got rid of a TON of stuff. We're talking 6 - 8 year old lipglosses, lipsticks, eyeliners and more! (I go into it in the video... GROSS!) That is part of why this video is so long - I've included everything I'm tossing from my vanity. It felt so good to go dump all this stuff in the trash after I'd filmed the video - I'd been wanting to make a post but the fuller the bag got the more overwhelming it seemed to write about all of them. I hope you guys enjoy, and I'll talk to you guys soon!<br /></div>
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XOXO Samantha</div>
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Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-13359844732108514572014-01-19T11:25:00.000-08:002014-01-19T12:30:46.782-08:00Lightened Banana Bread (122 Calories per Slice!)For years, one of my favorite recipes to make has been the banana bread from my trusty Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook. However, the 1/2 cup of oil or butter makes it heavier than it needs to be. I am also not a fan of overly sweet things, and often use bananas as a "sweetener" in oatmeal or smoothies. Surely this bread could still be tasty with a bit less sugar, right?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnXNw11H-R3iPz2pQRaHpYLP387KvoM_kBEqLXsF4HLQAlWbtPpgjxtq-sszXopYKueB82WBSx6IA2eAnJevpdSYOeOmZ9C5wmJuvbBqyt5BLYhG2CwiANyyBwKL0w-QRzi5x3tLua6o/s1600/DSCN2351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnXNw11H-R3iPz2pQRaHpYLP387KvoM_kBEqLXsF4HLQAlWbtPpgjxtq-sszXopYKueB82WBSx6IA2eAnJevpdSYOeOmZ9C5wmJuvbBqyt5BLYhG2CwiANyyBwKL0w-QRzi5x3tLua6o/s1600/DSCN2351.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmm.... Tasty!</td></tr>
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I cut the sugar, swapped out the oil for applesauce, increased the spices for a more flavorful bread, and also used half whole wheat, half white flour. Why not all whole wheat? I think that all whole wheat baked goods are often tough and overpowered by the taste of whole wheat. Using half white and half whole wheat will give you a lighter textured, tastier result. If you don't mind a denser bread or the taste of whole wheat, feel free to use all whole wheat flour! I also turned this into a "one bowl" recipe - it saves a few dishes and makes this even easier. It doesn't even take 10 minutes to get this in the oven. One last thing: I didn't think to take pictures of the first few steps, so please forgive my shoddy blogging!<br />
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How do I get 122 calories per serving? Well, for sake of ease, I don't include spices when I do calorie counts. The calories they add are negligible. (We're talking maybe 10 calories across the whole recipe.) It also saves me a lot of time when I'm adding up calories, something I do for pretty much every recipe I make. Adding 10 different spices that all are 0-3 calories for the amount I'm using is so frustrating and pretty pointless! Here are the calorie counts per ingredient, in case you are curious:<br />
<br />
1 cup white flour - 440 cal.<br />
1 cup whole wheat flour - 440 cal.<br />
5 bananas - 525 cal.<br />
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce - 50 cal.<br />
1/2 cup sugar - 360 cal.<br />
<br />
Total: 1955<br />
1955/16 rounds to 122 calories!<br />
<br />
Lightened Banana Bread<br />
Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens<br />
Serves 16 - 122 Calories per serving.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcepkfEHqLnEmcJn4VHoC0oYlqJSC7CPfU6_s7x7ib7CisnIbNdmO8upYrgNY7WrWUjAg__BysLFGEJnBBwFAM1WYKqRXNmYWjUvoHnbVfFNwZfM9dv1D5UT4HsgUFhUnMyD2gGIC7ygc/s1600/DSCN2345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcepkfEHqLnEmcJn4VHoC0oYlqJSC7CPfU6_s7x7ib7CisnIbNdmO8upYrgNY7WrWUjAg__BysLFGEJnBBwFAM1WYKqRXNmYWjUvoHnbVfFNwZfM9dv1D5UT4HsgUFhUnMyD2gGIC7ygc/s1600/DSCN2345.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had already mashed the bananas before I decided to do a blog post. <br />
Just pretend there are 5 very ripe bananas here, okay?</td></tr>
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5 very ripe bananas<br />
2 eggs<br />
1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce<br />
1/2 c. sugar<br />
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp. baking soda<br />
1/4 tsp. salt<br />
1/2 tsp. cinnamon<br />
1/4 tsp. nutmeg<br />
1 c. white flour<br />
1 c. whole wheat flour<br />
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Preheat the oven to 350.<br />
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Grease a 9x5x3 loaf pan with nonstick spray.<br />
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In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a potato masher. Add the eggs and use the masher to break them up a bit.<br />
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Add the applesauce and sugar and mix everything together.<br />
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Add the baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg and mix together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NdP2TuDM5xsTutMN9K2hyphenhyphenAVLP65yoG2gel4KtDGIjKU3AlFBUvoVr07Ma-2_Am-mbnqgsiUbJkSskh-fh9VjJx_C-Tbe_3_AdEZMjGcDTe5l5N0Bjg-Jh-Q6em05XBV9Cm55eGFqqIM/s1600/DSCN2342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NdP2TuDM5xsTutMN9K2hyphenhyphenAVLP65yoG2gel4KtDGIjKU3AlFBUvoVr07Ma-2_Am-mbnqgsiUbJkSskh-fh9VjJx_C-Tbe_3_AdEZMjGcDTe5l5N0Bjg-Jh-Q6em05XBV9Cm55eGFqqIM/s1600/DSCN2342.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next, add the flours. Mix just until the flour is moist and everything comes together. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GMMrWvtpZ6SgOECI6cPpQdXeNV3p73dwskH-If-4xeukL1flWZoGPDhXeFXbAh88O2IpfRq0ARmnG5pcuML_De7vTXRYW2nuYP4QVrOreyPMxUhs0WKAT-BollSR709Fbwam-kgwNJM/s1600/DSCN2341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GMMrWvtpZ6SgOECI6cPpQdXeNV3p73dwskH-If-4xeukL1flWZoGPDhXeFXbAh88O2IpfRq0ARmnG5pcuML_De7vTXRYW2nuYP4QVrOreyPMxUhs0WKAT-BollSR709Fbwam-kgwNJM/s1600/DSCN2341.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>There will be lumps. This is exactly how you want it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDSXxhtzbd4XiCZclDL_V0V7h2oBOel-cSXrJe8kTS6kIS44ifo1TFcLrBwuX-KX41ScC23jtbzj43P0Abet9uHHZN3ccd36g_Mm3ssUyQoGOLZcasCmxCWZn-zn7A4Lc_pqynNEicMM/s1600/DSCN2347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDSXxhtzbd4XiCZclDL_V0V7h2oBOel-cSXrJe8kTS6kIS44ifo1TFcLrBwuX-KX41ScC23jtbzj43P0Abet9uHHZN3ccd36g_Mm3ssUyQoGOLZcasCmxCWZn-zn7A4Lc_pqynNEicMM/s1600/DSCN2347.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and shimmy it a bit to get it evened out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_YCHk8PIhtFJcGx5hk1k3_n069lBQYcWOrOE4hmb5tWD4gz2785uXLmXiKGlquWAsRCW4aP2GB31DsS_00O041X7kvz8zyUOYwG83qwDED1Kr_K_UsC2bygnYjG7RLMJLy7XmRSgIRA/s1600/DSCN2349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_YCHk8PIhtFJcGx5hk1k3_n069lBQYcWOrOE4hmb5tWD4gz2785uXLmXiKGlquWAsRCW4aP2GB31DsS_00O041X7kvz8zyUOYwG83qwDED1Kr_K_UsC2bygnYjG7RLMJLy7XmRSgIRA/s1600/DSCN2349.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Bake for 55-60 minutes. I usually start checking on the bread around 45 minutes - it has been known to be done much earlier than anticipated. When a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, it's done.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeyT5rdFm56X40ljX8HICo8ldus2cbeia6_Vo5KlVkN3lJ5OjD_ErTjgKj5SELX9C5BNMXA7lqDYrDFQwYNFwmh0tjGr8aFbyiWc425eCA-8f5NEOdveXKA-P7WJ_SiiLy53Y-_5xqtM/s1600/DSCN2350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeyT5rdFm56X40ljX8HICo8ldus2cbeia6_Vo5KlVkN3lJ5OjD_ErTjgKj5SELX9C5BNMXA7lqDYrDFQwYNFwmh0tjGr8aFbyiWc425eCA-8f5NEOdveXKA-P7WJ_SiiLy53Y-_5xqtM/s1600/DSCN2350.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>As much as it pains you to wait, let the bread cool before you cut into it. If I'm lazy I'll just let it sit on top of the stove, but I'm trying today so I moved it a few feet onto a cooling rack. As we've established, I'm lazy, so I usually keep the bread in the pan and just cut slices as needed. I cover it with aluminum foil once the bread is cooled and call it a day. Mmmm... Banana bread :)Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-73804574304544687232014-01-08T07:48:00.001-08:002014-01-08T07:48:40.983-08:00OPI Minis & a Nail of the Day! (OPI's German-icure)I finally got the package from my mom with all the nail stuff I left at my parents' house over the holidays. Hurrah for top coats!<br />
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My brother's girlfriend surprised me for Christmas with the Take 10 set of OPI mini polishes. I was so excited to see that the set contained German-icure and You Don't Know Jacques, two polishes I've been dying to try. I actually already owned a few of them (Cajun Shrimp, Big Apple Red, and Lincoln Park After Dark), but it is always nice to have a new bottle waiting in the wings! These minis all have full sized brushes, which made applying a breeze! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPwkTfpvT1kfAHPDSyBtDcnwswyLInswDyIiPm3BNbJ7kQWyF6gum5svqHNFyAymS90xG8yH_VzcybBxmKFLrq04r_NMgVw3ju9_H5948IrObZtRmym6ycHzBxITzrW9PYe-dKLOrQkQ/s1600/DSCN2173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPwkTfpvT1kfAHPDSyBtDcnwswyLInswDyIiPm3BNbJ7kQWyF6gum5svqHNFyAymS90xG8yH_VzcybBxmKFLrq04r_NMgVw3ju9_H5948IrObZtRmym6ycHzBxITzrW9PYe-dKLOrQkQ/s1600/DSCN2173.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OPI Take 10 Mini Set</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CspDChhUB42mRMiEP9fmpchPCiigFuK6OeSYBG6Ny0sPjmfv9npsgHP4B04pzlbYN734QedVCxGzj95oOG3RjkT49mKwTavL4UXzNu5jNt9m1Lhlw75Fdjcz4J9YxCkjiGl7GRY7jcw/s1600/DSCN2177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CspDChhUB42mRMiEP9fmpchPCiigFuK6OeSYBG6Ny0sPjmfv9npsgHP4B04pzlbYN734QedVCxGzj95oOG3RjkT49mKwTavL4UXzNu5jNt9m1Lhlw75Fdjcz4J9YxCkjiGl7GRY7jcw/s1600/DSCN2177.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top: Cajun Shrimp, Big Apple Red, German-icure, Malaga Wine, Lincoln Park After Dark<br />
Bottom: Pirouette My Whistle, Alpine Snow, Bubble Bath, Tickle my France-y, You Don't Know Jacques</td></tr>
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I am really pleased with German-icure. It reminds me of a copper version of Every Month is Oktoberfest, another color from the German collection. The finishes are similar and absolutely gorgeous.<br />
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XOXO<br />
Samantha</div>
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Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-9294381506023776522014-01-06T07:05:00.005-08:002014-01-06T07:10:51.385-08:00Berry Baked OatmealGood morning!<br />
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I shared my <a href="http://girlinamagicalworld.blogspot.com/2013/12/apple-crumble-baked-oatmeal.html" target="_blank">love of baked oatmeal</a> with you a couple of weeks ago, but my apple crumble recipe is but one of several I make on a weekly basis. Today, I'm going to be sharing my berry baked oatmeal with you. While I used mixed frozen berries (because that was what was in my freezer), I've also used just blueberries or strawberries. I've never tried frozen fruit like mango or a tropical mix because that doesn't sound tasty to me, but if you're feeling adventurous and try it, let me know how you liked it in the comments! Feel free to mix up the sweeteners or add some milled flax seed (though you may need another splash of almond milk if you use flax).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDR_8d1UMU1btbYp2Kv0Bo9hI2GoIh8ARNNAsuKI7qBtfiueFVb921PQc-0GWvKTQ10OeGUQRVsdkkI4DP_i_qm90usEX3IzVBr3EJqw5vcF94f8jAG1M7xEa1bbdHVLdwFRsoRTn0wwc/s1600/DSCN2151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDR_8d1UMU1btbYp2Kv0Bo9hI2GoIh8ARNNAsuKI7qBtfiueFVb921PQc-0GWvKTQ10OeGUQRVsdkkI4DP_i_qm90usEX3IzVBr3EJqw5vcF94f8jAG1M7xEa1bbdHVLdwFRsoRTn0wwc/s1600/DSCN2151.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>This recipe works great as a make ahead breakfast. I usually make it the night before and stick it in my fridge until I'm ready to bake it the next morning. I use Corningware ramekins that came in a large set I got when I moved, and they have really nice lids that I can snap on before I put it in the fridge. I just turn my oven on, pop the lid off, and stick my oatmeal in the oven for the normal amount of time. It comes out perfectly every time! (Preparing breakfast ahead of time and setting my coffee maker on a timer are two HUGE time savers for me in the morning.)<br />
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<b>Berry Baked Oatmeal</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>1/2 cup old fashioned oats</li>
<li>1/4 cup + a splash more unsweetened vanilla almond milk (if you use fewer berries, you may need more liquid)</li>
<li>3 tsp brown sugar, divided </li>
<li>1/2 tsp cinnamon</li>
<li>1/4 tsp vanilla extract </li>
<li>1/8 tsp salt</li>
<li>1/8 tsp nutmeg</li>
<li>1/2-1 cup frozen berries (blueberries, mixed berries, strawberries)</li>
</ul>
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Preheat your oven to 380. Spray a small ramekin with non-stick spray, like Pam.</div>
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In a bowl, mix together the oats, almond milk, 2 tsp of the brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt & nutmeg.</div>
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Add the berries and mix. (If you add the berries with the rest of the ingredients, the almond milk tends to freeze on the berries, sticking them together and making stirring a real pain. Learn from my trial and error, folks.)</div>
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Pour the mixture into the ramekin. Sprinkle the remaining tsp of brown sugar on top. </div>
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Place in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. When the timer goes off, turn on the broiler and broil for 3-4 minutes. </div>
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You will be left with a gorgeous, bubbly baked oatmeal that will look more like a berry cobbler than a healthy breakfast. The brown sugar on top creates a delicious crunchy and slightly caramelized layer that is out-of-this world and a great contrast to the softer baked oats underneath.</div>
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XOXO</div>
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Samantha</div>
Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-31239540477330234722014-01-05T16:33:00.002-08:002014-01-06T07:06:19.403-08:00Nail of the Day: Estee Lauder's Caviar Nail PolishHello everybody! I hope your January has been off to a great start. Despite the depressing amounts of snow that the Great Lakes and Arctic winds seem determined to dump on me, I'm actually in my most chipper mood in ages. My boyfriend and I went to see <i>Frozen</i> today and I am absolutely in love. I love a good Disney fairytale movie and <i>Frozen</i> was wonderful. The music is outstanding; even my no-musicals-ever boyfriend was humming the songs in the car on the way home. I highly recommend that you go see it! (It may also make you hate snow a little less... or not. Let's try to be positive here, okay?)<br />
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I received a mini size of this Estee Lauder polish in Caviar in my stocking for Christmas and decided to try it out. I have been loving grey nail polish for the cooler months, and I've been wearing a lot of Essie's Power Clutch (a midtone grey) and Vested Interest (a blue-green grey) this winter. Caviar is darker than Power Clutch, and while it appears to be a cream polish, I noticed while taking pictures that there is a fine microshimmer in it. It is not super apparent on the nails, but if you look super closely in bright light you can see it. For all intents and purposes, it does look like a cream polish.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGEVfHECdeJ472Ro8Blk9SIDrrushNdb8plh1ce1K-CYl99BT6k_fO4Mdpix3Cu8JpBGu5e5rFj6_uEz0iPx7AAumlXHB2Rn3hAV6TDMfmp1I6qngtfh7y4UFNqeJIwuZDUbQj8-Raoo/s1600/DSCN2138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGEVfHECdeJ472Ro8Blk9SIDrrushNdb8plh1ce1K-CYl99BT6k_fO4Mdpix3Cu8JpBGu5e5rFj6_uEz0iPx7AAumlXHB2Rn3hAV6TDMfmp1I6qngtfh7y4UFNqeJIwuZDUbQj8-Raoo/s1600/DSCN2138.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eureka! I found the shimmer!</td></tr>
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I took pictures under a softer incandescent light and in my kitchen's bright fluorescent light. The color <i>does</i> look different depending on the light. It looks like a dark charcoal grey under some lights, but in super bright light it does appear to have a bit of a green - or maybe blue? - cast to it. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I'll share both pictures with you below. The difference isn't quite as dramatic in person as it is in the photos, but there have been a few times today when I've wondered if there is an undertone to the polish or if I'm imagining it. I think the shimmer - which I just noticed while photographing - may be what is making it look blue-ish under bright lights.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4x10hST1k77ZYmD_mK-CK68xwmQzY-XiiHt6s0vZxLcJAvu2WvxPrexHafst5Sv0HKv8lKpC8ilj7PDSeQoK0aE5_9NOTB3VTFUH1qz0-dx07wodSz6QjYtc5d4sPOPnj8KxChJMvDXQ/s1600/DSCN2132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4x10hST1k77ZYmD_mK-CK68xwmQzY-XiiHt6s0vZxLcJAvu2WvxPrexHafst5Sv0HKv8lKpC8ilj7PDSeQoK0aE5_9NOTB3VTFUH1qz0-dx07wodSz6QjYtc5d4sPOPnj8KxChJMvDXQ/s1600/DSCN2132.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Incandescent Light</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OUgdJHsRa1NazEhceRXWXFSFBoqTNN_C2TEJGEOdTFJ4MXNu5lA1ymw_EA_YHyA_olZhLxpmJw9aNxzdAt7u0L6-89XwKmK1GNzPIPnDTMsPXrQYVwxlS2Gkl0CzCpUQRztSXkn-dTk/s1600/DSCN2140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OUgdJHsRa1NazEhceRXWXFSFBoqTNN_C2TEJGEOdTFJ4MXNu5lA1ymw_EA_YHyA_olZhLxpmJw9aNxzdAt7u0L6-89XwKmK1GNzPIPnDTMsPXrQYVwxlS2Gkl0CzCpUQRztSXkn-dTk/s1600/DSCN2140.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fluorescent Lighting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgB-BvpgcpjQhUmIsi4ucTqJN-FWNRZbK-u2xntookTwOFreec8-rpHnXXqSTTYYISp-wP0EP-LHCSrknwOf8bWWZkQlMFqg_8e-jTabSJD33eAchaEcQC1nDCF3U5idOT9rQLfwstX0/s1600/DSCN2139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgB-BvpgcpjQhUmIsi4ucTqJN-FWNRZbK-u2xntookTwOFreec8-rpHnXXqSTTYYISp-wP0EP-LHCSrknwOf8bWWZkQlMFqg_8e-jTabSJD33eAchaEcQC1nDCF3U5idOT9rQLfwstX0/s1600/DSCN2139.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the microshimmer the best here!</td></tr>
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I haven't worn an Estee Lauder nail polish since I was in middle school and got some as a gift with purchase, so I can't tell you much about the wear. I'm guessing the polish has changed in 12 years! Unfortunately, these photographs are without a base or top coat because I left them (and some other polishes) at my parents' house when I was home for Christmas. I doubt I'll get more than a couple days of wear out of any polish without my trusty Revlon base and top coat! (I bet the shimmer would be more noticeable with a shiny top coat as well!)<br />
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Have you guys had success with Estee Lauder polishes? What are your go-to greys from any brand? I hope you guys had a fantastic weekend, and I will talk to you all soon!<br />
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XOXO<br />
Samantha<br />
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Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-59629480892851989062014-01-03T18:06:00.001-08:002014-01-03T18:06:53.723-08:00Home Decor Haul: Marshall's & Target!!! (And a Bonus Nail of the Day!)Hey guys!<br />
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I recently picked up a few home goodies at Marshall's and Target and I thought I'd share my little haul! I love infusing color into my apartment with little things, whether it's my hand towels or my kitchen tools. I am definitely influenced by the colors around me, so things my many-colored books and my <a href="http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1271688/jumping-beans-in-the-air-icon-shower-curtain.jsp" target="_blank">sunny shower curtain</a> can really perk me up if I'm feeling blah. (And with the gazillion inches of snow that got dumped in the North over the past few days, I'm definitely feeling the winter blahs.) Let's get to it!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUr5-Sgeu4WIV-_6eLOY3hWFcB06EXe729yDekzgFKW2uAuLJ3kyvMJih0ooAhIe9ScsE_Mka5dAXSdCZDb964X4GPdSfpuqPdJG17GRZPvjD6PLoSLjFmqzpIXl-iQN-y05rtKtNPAw/s1600/DSCN2102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUr5-Sgeu4WIV-_6eLOY3hWFcB06EXe729yDekzgFKW2uAuLJ3kyvMJih0ooAhIe9ScsE_Mka5dAXSdCZDb964X4GPdSfpuqPdJG17GRZPvjD6PLoSLjFmqzpIXl-iQN-y05rtKtNPAw/s400/DSCN2102.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This ain't your mamma's ironing board cover.</td></tr>
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This may sound silly, but I am one of those people who irons <i>everything.</i> I've gotten a lot more relaxed as I've gotten older (I'm no longer ironing my tee shirts) but I own a lot of button downs and nicer tops that need to be pressed. I've owned my ironing board since I started undergrad (in 2008!) and the cover was GROSS. This Isaac Mizrahi cover was super marked down at Marshall's because of a pinhole-sized snag that is on the underside of the cover. Who cares about that? I thought this was super cute and it had much more cushioning than my crappy old cover, which makes ironing a lot easier!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJH2awihj2yAFMVAM-nh3xNg2eV_ggXjRAlRBz2XjYbEDZz21mDX8KnS7Z9nPGs8-Tm5u5Vpn-sQPZP_Kn836w0lxGQwmqky3zcXlou6Ms2HxCgUQ85hwfDEJT79jRgHsRz5VM9ljIxA/s1600/DSCN2110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJH2awihj2yAFMVAM-nh3xNg2eV_ggXjRAlRBz2XjYbEDZz21mDX8KnS7Z9nPGs8-Tm5u5Vpn-sQPZP_Kn836w0lxGQwmqky3zcXlou6Ms2HxCgUQ85hwfDEJT79jRgHsRz5VM9ljIxA/s400/DSCN2110.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bowl: Anthropologie</td></tr>
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If you guys somehow hadn't noticed, I love cooking. My Marshall's always has a pretty good selection of KitchenAid tools for under $4, which I think is a pretty nice deal for this sturdy and colorful kitchenware. I got an ice cream scoop in turquoise (I already own one in pink!) and a spatula in a pretty purple.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6DdvlzhvQjE9LtEih5h35HLhfKbTCk65DyE-7rhxL0BVNnl_ISvlv3VKQGqqwlFGZeqEuo2X1Va9cjMX8a0JrLJSSQevWuMVXmtkTxKFVYIX6bjU7gNiwSfco1Gjwlc0S8EqBR9MM0g/s1600/DSCN2112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6DdvlzhvQjE9LtEih5h35HLhfKbTCk65DyE-7rhxL0BVNnl_ISvlv3VKQGqqwlFGZeqEuo2X1Va9cjMX8a0JrLJSSQevWuMVXmtkTxKFVYIX6bjU7gNiwSfco1Gjwlc0S8EqBR9MM0g/s400/DSCN2112.JPG" width="400" /></a>When I started college, I got some pretty towels in hot pink and turquoise. They're still going strong and my bathroom in my apartment is hot pink and turquoise, because I simply love the color combination. However, I had a horrible random roommate one year who stole a couple of my towels during move out and refused to give them back. I couldn't believe it when I walked into Marshall's and the first thing I saw was a display of towels from Ralph Lauren and DKNY that matched my already owned towels <i>perfectly</i>. I picked up another hand towel in each color, as I hate using a hand towel for more than a day or two at a time. (I'm a clean freak!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFLH3I1bnXbQTAvAVpXSQWRa3ETJOQGwF6j5YXFUDcEa7tFcAKTd9aKadly2MffhO71h8jlSmOIB8zwTICztK1SDCFBaqb9OFGQyoBZvu5k9bPeiOf181WqbEGn2wUJBE7WVgxh9grzs/s1600/DSCN2115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFLH3I1bnXbQTAvAVpXSQWRa3ETJOQGwF6j5YXFUDcEa7tFcAKTd9aKadly2MffhO71h8jlSmOIB8zwTICztK1SDCFBaqb9OFGQyoBZvu5k9bPeiOf181WqbEGn2wUJBE7WVgxh9grzs/s400/DSCN2115.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a>The same horrible roommate also stole my washcloths. (I mean seriously - WHO STEALS WASHCLOTHS?) I saw this pack of cute pink wash cloths and I thought this was perfect. I like the idea of using a new wash cloth to wash my face every night, but didn't own enough to do this. Now I can! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfbIlvql_9V7kPEMHMVa6iPcd7wKWucniANcPJ4heue3QfydTxoWC-PTYpTP0s2B3IuWTzQmWm7qpGhBZn2z_g7_vnTb19bocaDv0ncr-JqV-3pyvaYJS5aUDnzK0qFRegu0mYL343BY/s1600/DSCN2117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfbIlvql_9V7kPEMHMVa6iPcd7wKWucniANcPJ4heue3QfydTxoWC-PTYpTP0s2B3IuWTzQmWm7qpGhBZn2z_g7_vnTb19bocaDv0ncr-JqV-3pyvaYJS5aUDnzK0qFRegu0mYL343BY/s400/DSCN2117.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm seriously in love with this pattern.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_WGWadgL7deKejjaEG0ikmIJfpAAyUkvqcZVOFErhX3jOxzQqYthLSkyqB9yg97Cd43VDzkXLqZJDStFBrN17OX-EdkViN9xwZn6noAMpmSKqPk1Zs4a4OF5bvjLWBaPyZK0KE2bOPs/s1600/DSCN2106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_WGWadgL7deKejjaEG0ikmIJfpAAyUkvqcZVOFErhX3jOxzQqYthLSkyqB9yg97Cd43VDzkXLqZJDStFBrN17OX-EdkViN9xwZn6noAMpmSKqPk1Zs4a4OF5bvjLWBaPyZK0KE2bOPs/s400/DSCN2106.JPG" width="400" /></a>I also picked up a couple packs of thank you notes from the stationary aisle. I am a very old fashioned thank you note writer, and I thought these were too cute to pass up!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6oY27U3ezFEv92aS-k__s3mr_XdzzVRg5rdQwPYsnHDxDYzVreTmdfyByZMMgXKTK97fPgDIaAqZYv_SmoWXGWa4fJdHROKbAmxYVzCaHmCTj5GPwVIeXMt5Dm2Foaxu2W114l5t1gA/s1600/DSCN2107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6oY27U3ezFEv92aS-k__s3mr_XdzzVRg5rdQwPYsnHDxDYzVreTmdfyByZMMgXKTK97fPgDIaAqZYv_SmoWXGWa4fJdHROKbAmxYVzCaHmCTj5GPwVIeXMt5Dm2Foaxu2W114l5t1gA/s400/DSCN2107.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't he cute?</td></tr>
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I went to Target a couple weeks ago and picked up a few holiday things, but I thought I'd just show you the two things I got for "all the time" in my apartment! The Anthropologie bowl that is next to my kitchen sink used to be in my bedroom, but I hate cooking with any rings or bracelets on. I was terrified that I would accidentally knock my rings into the sink, so I moved the blue bowl to my kitchen and picked up another dish to use in my bedroom! I actually think this was a "holiday" item (there was a reindeer one as well), but I didn't think it screamed Christmas. Do you?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4r3PDZMwiM2hFVFkrj-GcJJKC4zGK6PpYyxYYesAUYQIJLo6BYyNfcalcRqRPfFWg6CtohyYAtgFYQqMigAG1UL_f4ApkQch8BMwS-Fqqu3XFb74PB3_qZ9R9DpE3hQY21My0RzSe_HY/s1600/DSCN2108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4r3PDZMwiM2hFVFkrj-GcJJKC4zGK6PpYyxYYesAUYQIJLo6BYyNfcalcRqRPfFWg6CtohyYAtgFYQqMigAG1UL_f4ApkQch8BMwS-Fqqu3XFb74PB3_qZ9R9DpE3hQY21My0RzSe_HY/s400/DSCN2108.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the touch of gold! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86A1vY8z7eODlHCeNhBEqYsHN9CEY7X8bbDv2MAXur1cbrLp6UgbfROFCgt0q-V69-zeroZCv9aFCld4Hhz-_fJ8aFiURkThYSH6GQcmJxpsWohZ7jSWEB2v3jQ_VSXJ8t64edY0osfY/s1600/DSCN2114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86A1vY8z7eODlHCeNhBEqYsHN9CEY7X8bbDv2MAXur1cbrLp6UgbfROFCgt0q-V69-zeroZCv9aFCld4Hhz-_fJ8aFiURkThYSH6GQcmJxpsWohZ7jSWEB2v3jQ_VSXJ8t64edY0osfY/s320/DSCN2114.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What the color actually looks like... lighting is so hard to get right!</td></tr>
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I showed my bedroom in a <a href="http://girlinamagicalworld.blogspot.com/2013/12/where-have-i-gone-story-told-in.html" target="_blank">recent post</a>, and the curtains were also picked up on my Target run! I think the blue-grey matches my bedroom nicely. My apartment came with those crappy plastic vertical blinds that keep the neighbors from seeing you naked, but do nothing to keep the light out! These are lined and do a pretty decent job of keeping my bedroom dark. I'm so happy I got these!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZ-QfDO66HloRrlnmcQ2ZKytr-bVKM1JWk3H-7K0GG1rAuWlIVIMdBKE3WukaNJDbqT2uRW1K3A41eBbmKZ_6gH_Tx7LVhpaOXiEGT31sRbHOUh3saHspq3q6_ySOqUWDMMrEGGlxMVk/s1600/DSCN2113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZ-QfDO66HloRrlnmcQ2ZKytr-bVKM1JWk3H-7K0GG1rAuWlIVIMdBKE3WukaNJDbqT2uRW1K3A41eBbmKZ_6gH_Tx7LVhpaOXiEGT31sRbHOUh3saHspq3q6_ySOqUWDMMrEGGlxMVk/s400/DSCN2113.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up close of the pattern!</td></tr>
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Bonus Nail of the Day!!</h2>
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I really like pink and turquoise. Can you tell? The color is <b>Essie's In The Cabana</b>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSR5itxyd639R6r4_H7GI9748ayKUbeIf2WB3HGb6uRo2gQBivEy8pmIiGPI-L-iv3NXusxbb1vYPS_NvwkIRKhu3J41yKnvJtpICa0cl013RQdD5aVH9z9nKSjaXdecv-PqTMj6s63M/s1600/DSCN2124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSR5itxyd639R6r4_H7GI9748ayKUbeIf2WB3HGb6uRo2gQBivEy8pmIiGPI-L-iv3NXusxbb1vYPS_NvwkIRKhu3J41yKnvJtpICa0cl013RQdD5aVH9z9nKSjaXdecv-PqTMj6s63M/s400/DSCN2124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Where are your favorite place to pick up home goodies on the cheap? I'd love to hear your secrets! I hope everyone has had a great start to 2014, and I'll talk to you guys soon!<br /></div>
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XOXO</div>
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Samantha</div>
<br />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-19171474809154956952014-01-01T12:03:00.001-08:002014-01-01T12:05:32.636-08:00Face of the Day: New Year's Day EditionHey all you beautiful (handsome?) people out there!<br />
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I hope you guys all rang in the New Year with style (or by yourself with a bowl of popcorn - I'm not sure which option is better)!<br />
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I just brewed up a cup of Trader Joe's Candy Cane Green Tea which is amazing and delicious. I don't know if it is LE for the holidays, but I hope they still have it next time I'm at TJ's! You seriously need to go try it. Yummmm. I figured there was no better way to spend a lazy New Year's Day than to blog and talk about makeup while I sip on tea.<br />
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This is a pretty typical day to day look for me. I am absolutely loving Berry Allure by Revlon, and I thought this paired really nicely with a taupe-y eye. Here're the pics!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_OqRm27k-iGr6FAdPGTdvHMm0jtBeNr-7hy5VFI9S2vdCumOTc-3_G1CRYdmUgM8SpNRb9HVlp_pDRhd1QmajTtRg4j4a54lPGZ2UkxZT1gL4eQni6uEcCSGYEUewJ2dnzLm8vB3KS0/s1600/DSCN2074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_OqRm27k-iGr6FAdPGTdvHMm0jtBeNr-7hy5VFI9S2vdCumOTc-3_G1CRYdmUgM8SpNRb9HVlp_pDRhd1QmajTtRg4j4a54lPGZ2UkxZT1gL4eQni6uEcCSGYEUewJ2dnzLm8vB3KS0/s400/DSCN2074.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnbvqxjWVITx7l9F9IXlTSH0k7dHXb0d7-YMJdPzvWCUkc__VqyF2k8qqS2OEVK9l4XSZZqaOLWOFlOJfuL7V4aiUOOMSQRa7NJZoSve5G3YxnJKGaGoRMyH6Kwf7KktfStnssJFYzZ4/s1600/DSCN2076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnbvqxjWVITx7l9F9IXlTSH0k7dHXb0d7-YMJdPzvWCUkc__VqyF2k8qqS2OEVK9l4XSZZqaOLWOFlOJfuL7V4aiUOOMSQRa7NJZoSve5G3YxnJKGaGoRMyH6Kwf7KktfStnssJFYzZ4/s400/DSCN2076.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAL2hyphenhyphenCcWBgDJffPlfMOsj5UM9xRQAtVDD5xCGiZVeUIeXP_KO_6xdXigd5diDrhc6qP5EgK_htX9C2enA0pdkinMPRUGJhpFxk2G8tgvODvUgQdCSjIIrQSV9pE7o8tA65O1mQNKVdo/s1600/DSCN2081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAL2hyphenhyphenCcWBgDJffPlfMOsj5UM9xRQAtVDD5xCGiZVeUIeXP_KO_6xdXigd5diDrhc6qP5EgK_htX9C2enA0pdkinMPRUGJhpFxk2G8tgvODvUgQdCSjIIrQSV9pE7o8tA65O1mQNKVdo/s400/DSCN2081.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slightly brighter lighting!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5UkJMbldLdtQv9L_HxE3fbFwMPyjR3bMuBD0ieNq-wc79PbUprWDGF8vVS5Sk-ALL7eGinWn3ySs3G-Oc8gtEkX8fS1J576lw-Z1u5oFz05qmsT95C8Sie6IQn3bdMgHjvmOdDIAiO0/s1600/DSCN2086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5UkJMbldLdtQv9L_HxE3fbFwMPyjR3bMuBD0ieNq-wc79PbUprWDGF8vVS5Sk-ALL7eGinWn3ySs3G-Oc8gtEkX8fS1J576lw-Z1u5oFz05qmsT95C8Sie6IQn3bdMgHjvmOdDIAiO0/s400/DSCN2086.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Requisite silly picture!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlYVB_GMVa4u0Io5OckWC-jBYS6UnuH5rnNkhtuMVEL6wD0-sUprAvH3G_16JHOWPBxecNpjOrzHUxOGnOxA7qSXFZm0x5YOG_wKXQjQDOYnNsUDsxFj_96s6VWCyUlkE-XI1NFr6L3o/s1600/DSCN2088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlYVB_GMVa4u0Io5OckWC-jBYS6UnuH5rnNkhtuMVEL6wD0-sUprAvH3G_16JHOWPBxecNpjOrzHUxOGnOxA7qSXFZm0x5YOG_wKXQjQDOYnNsUDsxFj_96s6VWCyUlkE-XI1NFr6L3o/s400/DSCN2088.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up close and personal!</td></tr>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Products I'm Wearing:</span></u></b><br />
<b>Face:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>MUFE HD Foundation in shade 110: I applied this with my RealTechniques Expert Face Brush, mostly to my nose and chin.</li>
<li>Bobbi Brown Corrector & Concealer</li>
<li>Maybelline Dream Matte Powder</li>
<li>NARS Blush in Douceur</li>
<li>NARS Highlighting Blush in Albatross </li>
</ul>
<b>Eyes:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Naked 2 Palette (<b>Verve</b> on inner half of lid & inner corner, <b>Suspect </b>on outer half of lid, <b>YDK </b>used to blend between these two and warm up center of my lid, <b>Tease</b> through crease, <b>Busted</b> in outer corner and brought up into crease a little bit, <b>Foxy </b>all over brow bone, <b>Bootycall</b> applied sparingly right under brow bone, <b>Chopper</b> applied to lower lash line)</li>
<li>L'Oreal Lineur Intense felt tip liquid liner </li>
<li>CG Clump Crusher Mascara</li>
</ul>
<b>Brows:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Dior Brow Pencil in Universal Brown</li>
<li>Maybelline Clear Mascara</li>
</ul>
<b>Lips: </b>Revlon lip gloss in Berry Allure<br />
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I hope you guys are having a great day and an excellent start to the New Year!<br />
<br />
XOXO Samantha<br />
<br />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-11902238988376787142013-12-22T07:03:00.000-08:002014-01-06T07:06:41.280-08:00Apple Crumble Baked OatmealI love oatmeal. I eat it for breakfast almost every morning. What I don't love is standing at the stove stirring for ages and scrubbing scalded milk off the bottom of a pan. This is where baked oatmeal comes into play. It requires about 5 minutes of prep work, and then it's hands off. You can pop it in the oven then hop in the shower or go about doing whatever it is you do in the morning. I try to eat "real" breakfasts every morning, so hands-off, quick recipes are essential.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzOII41UqHBbcUoDh0mFiJYNS9HHLpMwp7le2H8kBcfZykyyQQQtWPiGtjHc9f9zZ5bYQjPigMxwEl9ZMHFXSBjYQqXiWrNsyx9lsUPISKWZelRYNqBdVd3B45DL501b75VurqE7F2e8/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzOII41UqHBbcUoDh0mFiJYNS9HHLpMwp7le2H8kBcfZykyyQQQtWPiGtjHc9f9zZ5bYQjPigMxwEl9ZMHFXSBjYQqXiWrNsyx9lsUPISKWZelRYNqBdVd3B45DL501b75VurqE7F2e8/s400/photo+1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I mean, just look at that beauty. It's gorgeous. The top is crispy and crunchy, like an apple crumble, and the bottom is ooey-gooey with baked apples and oatmeal and cinnamon. I make some versions of my baked oatmeal the night before to save time in the morning, but I probably wouldn't do that with this version. Nobody likes brown apples! You could, however, mix all the ingredients together EXCEPT the apple the night before and then chop the apples and put it in the ramekin in the morning. This oatmeal could make anyone a believer in a nice, hot breakfast on a weekday morning. Just try it, and you'll be a believer too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWDFBGRb0vnEcqbhfDrYJYCJFu08MOQhpdw92Yq-Sfs-P3JhLdaudQFPxhfYIsx89iUirW-8IjXHI2oGeMU2jTLNDrN5YKMw95_jvYgn3NKzKpHkEC0asxVk7boz-keTjpQ17Ko1EkA8/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWDFBGRb0vnEcqbhfDrYJYCJFu08MOQhpdw92Yq-Sfs-P3JhLdaudQFPxhfYIsx89iUirW-8IjXHI2oGeMU2jTLNDrN5YKMw95_jvYgn3NKzKpHkEC0asxVk7boz-keTjpQ17Ko1EkA8/s400/photo+3.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Apple Crumble Baked Oatmeal </span></b></div>
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Serves 1 </div>
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Calories: 255, if you eat the rest of the apple while the oatmeal is baking. (Highly recommended, as apples go brown quickly and this recipe doesn't use the whole apple. Can't be wasteful!)</div>
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1/2 c. old fashioned oatmeal<br />
1/4 c. + a tiny splash more unsweetened vanilla almond milk<br />
1/2 tbsp REAL maple syrup (don't go using any of that fake stuff here!)<br />
1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />
1/4 tsp vanilla extract (again, none of that imitation stuff)<br />
1/8 tsp nutmeg<br />
1/8 tsp salt<br />
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About 1/2 of a small apple, diced into cm sized pieces<br />
tsp brown sugar<br />
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OPTIONAL<br />
1-2 tbsp milled flax seed<br />
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<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 380 degrees. </li>
<li>Spray the inside of a small ramekin with non-stick spray. </li>
<li>In a small bowl, combine oats, milk, maple syrup, spices, salt, and vanilla. (If you're looking for a little more fiber in your world, go ahead and add some flax here. If you add flax, you may want to add a splash more of almond milk.) </li>
<li>Add the diced apple and combine. </li>
<li>Pour the oatmeal mixture into the ramekin. If you want to, try to get most of the apples on the bottom and more of the oats on top. This will aid in a crunchy, oat-y top that will make you think you're eating a crumble dessert, not a healthy breakfast. </li>
<li>Using your hands, sprinkle the brown sugar over the top of the oatmeal. This will make the top extra crunchy and pretty. </li>
<li>Pop the oatmeal in the oven for 20 minutes. After it's done cooking, turn on the broiler and let it sit under the broiler for 3-4 minutes until the top is crunchy and golden. </li>
<li>Remove from oven. You're going to want to let this sit for a few minutes before digging in. It will be difficult, but I promise you'll be better for waiting.</li>
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Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-32327126324641708902013-12-20T08:27:00.000-08:002013-12-20T08:27:57.264-08:00Where Have I Gone? A Story Told in Instagrams.Grad school.<br />
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For any of you lovely readers out there who've been there and done that, you know <i>exactly</i> why I've been MIA for the past few months. I am doing a two year program in one year, which means I have very little free time. I am glad to say my first semester was a swimming success: no mental breakdowns & my first 4.0 semester since high school!<br />
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I really miss writing about makeup and beauty and lifestyle sorts of things, so I am going to try to post a few things whilst I am on break.<br />
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Firstly, I have been absolutely in love with baked oatmeal. I make an individual ramekin of it almost every morning for breakfast and nothing makes me happier. I Instagram my breakfasts far too often. It may be problematic.<br />
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I would really like to do more food posts on this blog, and I think I'll start with different baked oatmeal recipes. Stay tuned!<br />
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My second love? My new apartment. I moved in back in August, but it's just now starting to feel like home. I had so much fun decorating for Christmas... I didn't have much to work with, but a mini-tree and some fairy lights go a long way in my book.<br />
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My bedroom came with those awful plastic blinds that keep people from looking in but do very little to keep light out. Sleeping in past 7 am had become quite the challenge, and the blanket that inevitably ended up hung over the window each night wasn't all that attractive. I went to Target and found some pretty lined curtains that matched my room. I'm not a huge fan of the curtain rod (I probably should have gotten the longer one), but I love the overall look. I have struggled with insomnia in the past, so I tried to turn my bedroom here into the most restive, peaceful place I could. My room is soft blues, mossy greens, and grays - the curtains match my vanity chair almost exactly.<br />
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My makeup world has been dreary the past few months. I have been going barefaced more often than not, which makes me a little sad. Nothing like some winged liner and a bold lip to make the day brighter! The only makeup purchases I've made (thanks to some credit card points and a gift card) were Vice 2 and Ocho Loco 2. I haven't played with them too much, but they are both beautiful products.<br />
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So I hope I have time to pop in more often. like making and sharing happy, pretty things, and that's still what I want to do here. I hope you'll stick around!<br />
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XOXO SamanthaSamanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-24470293191309688042013-09-15T11:16:00.002-07:002013-09-15T11:16:34.606-07:00Products I've Used Up (September 2013)As I've mentioned before, I'm sort of doing a <a href="http://girlinamagicalworld.blogspot.com/2013/04/project-10-pan.html" target="_blank">Project 10 Pan</a> at the moment. Except, you know, I'm in grad school now and have no disposable income of which to speak. Which means no makeup, period, unless I run out of an essential like mascara or my Maybelline Dream Matte Powder. Except Urban Decay just announced that they are releasing Vice 2 and that Ocho Loco pencil set looks dreamy... and I will totally be using my credit card points to buy these babies. It will be my first makeup purchase since my<a href="http://girlinamagicalworld.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-high-end-haul-breaking-project-10-pan.html" target="_blank"> high end haul </a>back in May. Guys, I'm pretty sure this is the longest I've ever gone without buying makeup and beauty stuff. I'm using things up left and right and it actually feels<i> good</i>.<br />
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I'd been collecting my empties for a while (most of these were finished earlier in the summer), but decided it was silly to move a bunch of what is essentially trash with me to my new apartment. I snapped a quick picture as I was packing up my room and tossed the lot into the garbage.<br />
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I finished a couple of mascaras, CG Volume Blast and CG Clump Crusher. I liked the Volume Blast, but I loveloveloved Clump Crusher. I think I've mentioned that once. <a href="http://girlinamagicalworld.blogspot.com/2013/08/i-swear-i-didnt-die-and-how-i-came-to.html" target="_blank">Or twice</a>. </div>
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I also finished one of my go-to highlight shades, MAC Shroom, which I talked about in my <a href="http://girlinamagicalworld.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-few-of-my-favorite-things-shadow.html" target="_blank">favorite shadow highlights post</a>. I have to be honest here: this is the first MAC shadow I've ever finished. I've hit pan on one other one (Mylar), but I do not go through MAC shadows very quickly. Quite honestly, I think I would use them more if they were depotted, and buying a few palettes may be my graduation gift to myself next year.</div>
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I went through my Lingering brow pencil by MAC as well as another Maybelline Dream Matte Powder and a Bobbi Brown Corrector. All 3 of these are staples in my makeup collection and have been replaced.</div>
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I tossed my Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner in espresso because it was totally dried up even though it was only about 1/2 empty. I went through a phase where I wasn't using gel eyeliner all that much, opting for quicker pencil liner or my L'Oreal Lineur Intense. As I mentioned in my<a href="http://girlinamagicalworld.blogspot.com/2013/08/inspiration-or-how-i-got-out-of-my.html" target="_blank"> last post</a>, I've been using gel liner a lot more recently and I replaced this guy with a Laura Mercier gel liner that I had in my stash of unopened products. </div>
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I also finished my deluxe sample of the Tarte BB Cream, which I adored so much<a href="http://girlinamagicalworld.blogspot.com/2013/04/excuses-and-haul.html" target="_blank"> I picked up a full size months ago at Ulta during a 20% off</a>.<br />
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Rounding out the empties is my beloved Market Peach candle. I did pick up another one of these with a few fall-y scents during a sale at B&BW in July - I think I got each for $7 or $8, which was great since I've forbidden myself to buy candles now that grad school has started.<br />
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I thought I'd also mention the candles I've used up since I moved into my apartment. If I'm home, I pretty much always have a candle burning. After only burning 3 wick candles in my bedroom for the past 3 years, it's nice to have a larger space to burn them in. They can be a bit overwhelming in a small closed space after a few hours!<br />
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Kitchen Spice is DELICIOUS! I am seriously a sucker for warm, spicy scents and this one did the trick. Spices with a hint of creamy hazelnut? Um, YES PLEASE! I don't think I've ever been so sad that a candle is gone. Except maybe Market Peach. Or that lilac one I was burning a bunch this spring. Okay, I have a problem.<br />
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I also finished up my Cider Lane that I had laying around from last year. I had burnt maybe 1/4 of it sometime last fall, but I finished it up in the past few weeks. My packaging looked different (and the wax was cider colored, not red), but I'm glad to see they have it back out again for fall! I'd highly recommend this one - smells like caramel cider. MMMMMMHHHH :) Luckily I have a "Caramel Apple" candle in my closet which I am thinking is the same scent in different packaging. They smell identical to me. </div>
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I made the executive decision that I needed to burn through one more "summer" candle before I could move on to my huge stockpile of fall and winter scents. I settled on Watermelon Lemonade, which smells exactly like tart watermelon Jolly Ranchers. It's definitely an "out there" scent for me, but I like it a lot more than I thought I would. I'm almost done with it, so I'll include it here and call it close enough!<br />
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What products have you guys finished lately? And for all you candle lovers out there, what fall scents are you most excited about?<br />
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I hope to be posting a little more regularly in the next few weeks and months now that everything is settled here - let me know what kind of stuff you want to see, and I'll talk to y'all soon!<br />
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XOXO Samantha</div>
Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-14564702551849639722013-08-23T08:46:00.000-07:002013-08-23T08:46:51.412-07:00Inspiration, or How I Got Out of my Makeup RutFor the past few months, I haven't had much inspiration for this blog. Quite frankly, I didn't have much inspiration to do anything except get up, put on my ugly uniform, and trudge into work. I pretty much stopped wearing makeup to work, and the only thing gracing my face on the daily was SPF and my Baby Lips in Cherry. Moving has given me the boost I needed to get out of my makeup rut. I'm excited to get up and get ready in the mornings again, and it shows on my face. I wanted to share some of the products that have gotten me out of my rut and back into doing fun daily makeup, because let's face it, we all could use a little pick-me-up now and then. Hopefully you can be inspired too!<br />
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<b>1. The Naked Palettes </b></div>
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I know, I know. Everyone has them. But there's a reason! Seriously, I forgot how much I love these things. You can do everything from a sweep of light color across the whole lid and brow to a heavy smokey look out of one palette, and I find that having the darker colors right in front of me encourages me to have a bit more fun with my day to day makeup. If I'm just grabbing individual pots I'm more likely to play it safe and stay with light-to-medium colors. </div>
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<b>2. Laura Mercier Creme Liner in Espresso </b></div>
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I've been a Bobbi Brown Gel Liner fangirl for over a decade now - I actually remember wearing the violet color for the first time to a high school football game when I was 13 (nightlife for a middle schooler) and my friends complementing my liner. Since then I've been smitten, but I think there might be some competition in town. LM's formula seems a bit creamier and smoother. Regardless, I forgot how much I love drawing on the thinnest line of liner and flicking out a tiny wing - so much more flattering than a thick smudgy line of pencil on me! I have a jar of Bobbi Brown in my drawer in black that hasn't been opened yet, and I may have to do a comparison post to settle the matter on the differences once and for all! </div>
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<b>3. MAC Brow Pencil in Lingering </b></div>
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My brows have fallen by the wayside the past few months. Every once in a while I would get close enough to a mirror to see my brows and be ashamed that they had gotten into such bad condition. I normally pluck a few stray hairs each morning before my makeup, but no makeup meant I had forgotten about plucking! I've started using a brow pencil every day and it adds so much more definition than tinted brow gel on its own. Plus defined brows make me feel <a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3zv7r6AI71qi8gqpo1_250.gif" target="_blank">fierce</a>, and you can't go wrong with that! </div>
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<b>4. MAC Pearlmatte Powders from the Baking Beauties Collection </b></div>
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I<a href="http://girlinamagicalworld.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-high-end-haul-breaking-project-10-pan.html" target="_blank"> told y'all </a>you'd be hearing about them. I love 'em. They're beautiful to look at and gorgeous on the skin - how could you <i>not</i> love them? These 2 are enough of a reason to get out of bed in the morning and sit down at my vanity. I am particularly fond of the pink one - it is very similar in color to my favorite MAC blush, Well Dressed, and I've been pairing them together almost every day.<br />
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I'm curious to know how you guys have gotten out of makeup ruts in the past - has there been a product that's inspired you to change up your look or that has made makeup fun again?<br />
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XOXO Samantha</div>
Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-9434500769847044962013-08-12T08:27:00.000-07:002013-08-12T08:27:27.101-07:00My Other LoveI like to say I have three passions in life: Books, makeup, and food.<br />
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My career choice, which I've mentioned before, shows the first. This blog is more than enough proof that I love makeup. But I don't know that I've really talked about food on here.<br />
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I love food. There. I said it. I don't love food in the "I'm going to eat my feelings and shovel as much in my mouth as I can at once" kind of way that so many Americans these days seem to be guilty of. I love food as art. I savor the way flavors meld together in my mouth, delight in making something with the <i>perfect</i> texture, and drool over pictures of delectable morsels. I make almost everything from scratch, and I get a satisfaction from this kind of food that I can never get from even the tastiest frozen or takeout foods.<br />
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I've only been in my apartment for 3 days, and I've already taken the kitchen by storm. I missed having a kitchen that was just mine, after the past year of stepping on my mom's toes whenever I was in the kitchen. (I will say she was quite gracious about having to share with me!) I wanted to share with you a few of the things I've made so far:<br />
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1. <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2009/10/homemade-spaghetti-sauce-perfected.html" target="_blank">Homemade Spaghetti Sauce</a> - the addition of a bit of brown sugar over white plus a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end really make this sauce special.<br />
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2. "Mexican" Scrambled Eggs and Bacon - I mix salsa right into the beaten egg mixture, and then sprinkle in some Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese when the eggs are about 75% set. This is one of my go-to breakfasts, but I did breakfast for dinner for me and CDBP the night I moved in.<br />
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3. <a href="http://www.inspiredtaste.net/9928/baked-oatmeal-with-strawberries-banana-and-chocolate-recipe/" target="_blank">Baked Oatmeal with Strawberries and Bananas</a> - This is absolutely DIVINE. I use cinnamon instead of the Chinese 5 Spice and replace the normal milk with unsweetened vanilla almond milk. I also left out the nuts and the orange zest since I didn't have those on hand, but this is the kind of recipe that is soooo flexible. You could totally use dried fruit in the winter or other fresh fruits (peaches would be AMAZING).<br />
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4. <a href="http://www.handletheheat.com/2010/02/cookies-cream-cheesecake-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">Oreo Cheesecake Cupcakes</a> - These are a longtime favorite of mine, and CDBP requested them as a (belated) birthday dessert. I used to make them practically every other week when I was in college. I didn't have a single friend that didn't love them, and I'm pretty sure these babies were what made the guys I lived with a few summers ago put up with me so well!<br />
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5. <a href="http://bakedbree.com/summer-corn-chowder" target="_blank">Corn Chowder</a> - Oh my what. This stuff was SO. FREAKING. GOOD. Topped with crispy bacon and sprinkling of cheddar cheese? DROOL. It's super easy to make but does require a decent amount of chopping (and grating a potato). I chopped all the veggies in the early afternoon that way when I went to make it that evening everything was ready for me. CDBP ate like 3 bowls of this stuff last night, and when I asked him what he thought of it all I got was a muffled "Mmmmmm" between shoveling spoonfuls into his mouth. I think he might have liked it ;)<br />
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Are any of you fellow foodies? Share your favorite recipes and blogs down below!!<br />
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XOXO SamanthaSamanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-11896458139418197912013-08-07T21:22:00.000-07:002013-08-07T21:22:34.040-07:00I Swear I Didn't Die and How I Came to Hate my HG MascaraOh my.<br />
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I swear I didn't mean to stop posting. Really. I thought about this blog a lot, usually in the middle of the night during panic attacks about all the things I had to do that I wasn't doing. I realize that all of 10 people read this, but this has developed a special little place in my heart, and I felt like I'd let <i>myself</i> down by not writing.<br />
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I'm moving in exactly 2 days. Terrifying, huh? This past year at home has been a blessing and a curse, and as much as I love my family there is a reason 20-somethings shouldn't live at home! I have my shiny new apartment and a shiny new library job and a shiny new MLIS program and a shiny new graduate assistantship and not-shiny-or-new-but-still-awesome Captain Doctor Boyfriend Person waiting for me. I'm pretty sure the last time I was this excited about something was before I started college, which is a long time to go without giddy levels of excitement. I'm liking all these happy endorphines; they make my insomnia more pleasant, at least.<br />
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In other infinitely more important news, I am devastated to announce that I no longer adore DiorShow Blackout. I used this mascara - alternating with plain ol' DiorShow - for YEARS, and I loved it. It was better than any other mascara I'd ever used, and I swore that all the money I shoveled out (even with my discount) was worth it. I had decided earlier this year to play around with some drugstore mascaras to see if I could find something more affordable to tide me over during my broke grad student years. After a few that I didn't hate but didn't love, I bought CoverGirl Clump Crusher. At first, I was highly disappointed - why were people raving all over the internet about this? And then I found the magic trick: this mo'fo' takes two coats to unlock all the wondrous rainbow unicorn magic contained in that green tube. I've always stuck to one coat of mascara, so this discovery was a shocker to me. Absolutely no clumps on a second coat, which I've never been able to do with a mascara before. This stuff is magic makeup crack, guys.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooooh, aaaahhh, mascara magic!!!</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_713779303"></span><span id="goog_713779304"></span>In my mind, I still held DiorShow as my top contender - the mascara that nothing could live up to. CC was awesome, but the tube of DiorShow from my latest haul would totally still knock it out of the park. Right? RIGHT? Unfortunately, Clump Crusher finally died last week after I had broken my only hard and fast makeup rule about only using mascara for 3 months so that I could milk an extra 3 weeks out of it. I was only consoled by the waiting tube of DiorShow Blackout in my vanity. I was actually prepared to hate CC after reusing DiorShow. Ha. Haha. HAHAHAHA.<br />
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And so I used it... aaaaand I was disappointed. It was way wetter than I remembered it being, so maybe things will get better in a couple of weeks as it naturally dries out a bit. I can't remember the last time a mascara smudged on me, but every day this week I've had faint grey smears under my eyes from this stuff. It is clumpier and less defining, lengthening, and volumizing than Clump Crusher, and even at half off DiorShow was still over double the price of CC. I honestly don't know what happened, but I can tell you right now I am never shelling out the money to buy DiorShow Blackout again. I may try another tube of the normal formula of DiorShow down the line (maybe I'm insane, but I swear this stuff was awesome all the years I used it before), but I cannot wait until the 3 months are up and I can go back to using Clump Crusher. (For what I paid, I'm not tossing it.)<br />
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Let me know what your HG mascaras are down below and if you have ever been this sorely let down after returning to an old favorite product before!! I can't be the only one who's realized their old HG now sucks!<br />
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Hopefully you'll be hearing from me soon. If not, know I'm hiding in a box fort in my shiny new living room having a mental breakdown over assembling Ikea furniture.<br />
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XOXO SamanthaSamanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-7213090678194608502013-05-12T14:05:00.001-07:002013-05-12T14:05:35.132-07:00A High End Haul: Breaking Project 10 PanI'm a bad girl guys. A really bad girl.<br />
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So I'm trying to do a Project 10 Pan, right? Well I got a once-in-a-lifetime chance last weekend. One moment while I flog myself.<br />
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I got the opportunity to shop a high end cosmetics department half-off. I don't want to go into details (privacy and such), but OH. EMM. GHEEE. I'm sorry, but my Project 10 Pan had to be put on hold. If you can find fault in my decision making, clearly you are a more rational (and less makeup addicted) person than yours truly. I've actually really enjoyed doing the Project 10 Pan, and I'm going to continue it. Just think of this as a giant speed bump on the road to buying less makeup, no?<br />
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Before I jump into the haul, I do want to remind y'all that this was ALL at a half-priced discount. I love me some makeup, but I could have never afforded all of this at one time otherwise. I did repurchase some backup stuff that I'm not out of yet because it was such a good deal and they are things I buy multiple times a year anyways, so why not spend upfront and get half off? RIGHT??<br />
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<b>MAC Baking Beauties Pearlmatte Face Powders in Pink Buttercream and In For a Treat</b><br />
I haven't been really excited about a MAC collection in a while, but I was literally dreaming about these two powders. They are so beautiful both in the pan and on the skin. I'm sure you guys will be hearing lots about these from me!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In For a Treat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Buttercream (Used once... sorry, I just couldn't wait!)</td></tr>
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<b>MAC Brushes 130, 239, 228</b><br />
I really didn't need or want any makeup from MAC besides the aforementioned Pearlmatte Powders, but I've been craving expanding my brush collection. 130 is to apply cream blush and highlighter, 239 is a basic brush that I can't believe I've never bought, and 228 is the cutest little brush that's great for applying shadow to the lower lash line and smoking out or softening eyeliner.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From top to bottom: MAC 130, MAC 239, MAC 228</td></tr>
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<b>Chanel Emerveille Illusion D'Ombre Eyeshadow </b><br />
This is something that has been on my wishlist for a long time, and I finally purchased it. Let it suffice to say that it is gorgeous and that I'll be doing a full review of it later.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNAIJupYlRIv3Drg7Dp2i4tyH1xsES21lhnQTMPhspADztW3TSi2VrNpAqgTibYpKiE8szfeA6Se3VS0s6KuB85vZhyphenhypheneT5k0vX6z5SZ8jWqz0ALZ-hOoy7g6jr4r0tNAXBy-OSMHtNVg/s1600/DSCN1938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNAIJupYlRIv3Drg7Dp2i4tyH1xsES21lhnQTMPhspADztW3TSi2VrNpAqgTibYpKiE8szfeA6Se3VS0s6KuB85vZhyphenhypheneT5k0vX6z5SZ8jWqz0ALZ-hOoy7g6jr4r0tNAXBy-OSMHtNVg/s400/DSCN1938.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chanel Emerveille Eyeshadow</td></tr>
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<b>Chanel Lip Gloss in Jalousie </b><br />
This is such a beautiful lip gloss. I honestly feel like I'm getting what I paid for with this: the pigmentation is amazing; the staying power is hours longer than any of the drugstore or high end glosses I own; it doesn't feel sticky, tacky, or have slippage on my lips.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMuKijmdbSrpxk5W4dJ6zK8NGYXmuuHR2DZ_i_CNrgQyIvR1kl7sC7OyjKMgVuc2AzHwbIBrPmzwejWvj-nCcVOtCQq6jZ_0UclB-Rj9tGZ_LDbbJXwDQroQoTIw_fA_Vu9b1ohj4KWE/s1600/DSCN1943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMuKijmdbSrpxk5W4dJ6zK8NGYXmuuHR2DZ_i_CNrgQyIvR1kl7sC7OyjKMgVuc2AzHwbIBrPmzwejWvj-nCcVOtCQq6jZ_0UclB-Rj9tGZ_LDbbJXwDQroQoTIw_fA_Vu9b1ohj4KWE/s400/DSCN1943.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chanel Lip Gloss in Jalousie</td></tr>
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<b>Chanel Nail Polish in Ballerina</b><br />
This is a repurchase for me. I recently used my existing bottle for my glitter French manicure. My old bottle is probably 2-3 years old and the color has definitely turned a bit odd. This is probably the 4th or 5th bottle of it I've owned and it used to be one of only 2 nail polishes I'd ever wear before I started getting more adventurous. I know there are other pale pinks like this for less money, but it holds a special place in my heart. Plus the formula is dreamy and it wears like a polish that costs this much should.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfXK8qRgSJq4lRMkt-wMjjNf2-9qNFzOhsiGiTuDL7-RBHcY-EhegLqqXUaNiUDxaXU4Kj6wzTq8Gz5iZzoJQ_yjSvYxL96Dmf8onPlTiVbkW8CS4S5kc5A0sa7vqrocP-JuE-wLq8Vc/s1600/DSCN1951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfXK8qRgSJq4lRMkt-wMjjNf2-9qNFzOhsiGiTuDL7-RBHcY-EhegLqqXUaNiUDxaXU4Kj6wzTq8Gz5iZzoJQ_yjSvYxL96Dmf8onPlTiVbkW8CS4S5kc5A0sa7vqrocP-JuE-wLq8Vc/s400/DSCN1951.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chanel Nail Polish in Ballerina</td></tr>
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<b>YSL Rouge Volupte 27 - Rose Paris</b><br />
I knew I wanted to get a YSL lip product, but I went in with an open mind. I played with a bunch of different colors but ended up walking out with this. Again, I can totally tell the difference between this and lower end products. It's super creamy, highly pigmented, and wears well. I have worn this almost every day this week and I am in love. Siiiiigh.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiid4ONjtFzHyI9AawPhBx4BvNwtDY2Q3yvGz3HyyuZbAFBU0hf96b6DOjJc9AHy6R3brA6AvQmRy01SJcLG0KWaCnd1Web4qLqON_RU_7sOrC-T4rDzxd1ZLRnLkRxibenS2zO_2-fbQw/s1600/DSCN1946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiid4ONjtFzHyI9AawPhBx4BvNwtDY2Q3yvGz3HyyuZbAFBU0hf96b6DOjJc9AHy6R3brA6AvQmRy01SJcLG0KWaCnd1Web4qLqON_RU_7sOrC-T4rDzxd1ZLRnLkRxibenS2zO_2-fbQw/s320/DSCN1946.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick 27 - Rose Paris</td></tr>
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<b>The Repurchases</b><br />
I stocked up on another bottle of my <b>MAC brush cleaner</b>, which I mainly use for spot cleaning eye brushes and really getting my foundation brushes clean. I also bought my umpteenth tube of <b>DiorShow Blackout</b> - this is hands down my favorite mascara of all time and as much as I've been trying to love drugstore mascaras, nothing quite works for me like this does. I picked up a backup of both my <b>Bobbi Brown corrector and creamy concealer</b> since I burn through these pretty quickly. I mentioned the <b>Chanel polish</b> above.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OeLNT3YzPiOkzdBts5TSu6YRfSVTVqccnKf16bgqCJHwbhKKK_F4kq9H1QCI1cjEVY1ghSpa5tS3xQ-vNaIIMK-CJEzwJKE-xb37_2qxtTgJFs5PdLVVscJ_J8RRPPB9E_0IxzIO5qs/s1600/DSCN1950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OeLNT3YzPiOkzdBts5TSu6YRfSVTVqccnKf16bgqCJHwbhKKK_F4kq9H1QCI1cjEVY1ghSpa5tS3xQ-vNaIIMK-CJEzwJKE-xb37_2qxtTgJFs5PdLVVscJ_J8RRPPB9E_0IxzIO5qs/s400/DSCN1950.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>What I'm Burning: B&BW Lilac Blossom</b><br />
This is so spot-on to actual lilacs that it's scary. I'm usually not one for floral candles, but this is very simple and not overwhelming at all. A nice mix-up from the fruity candles I've been burning the past couple months!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwfukQwECt_9QJyRYwdigWGpZFwOmIAGNp0iNgGAt1vhhdY2tr705VYYEFRmzS812IyOdcuiOfxM6LNfBdVRptnCVQie6PTCTSlWt6gdVe3jEWl7uABwjCWODu-eZrbxBbDLF0VZ2LGQ/s1600/DSCN1952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwfukQwECt_9QJyRYwdigWGpZFwOmIAGNp0iNgGAt1vhhdY2tr705VYYEFRmzS812IyOdcuiOfxM6LNfBdVRptnCVQie6PTCTSlWt6gdVe3jEWl7uABwjCWODu-eZrbxBbDLF0VZ2LGQ/s400/DSCN1952.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I hope you are all enjoying your weekend and I'll talk to you guys soon!</div>
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XOXO Samantha</div>
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<br />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-55805259843007109612013-05-11T04:24:00.001-07:002013-05-11T04:24:28.115-07:00Ridiculously Late April Favorites!!I am a huge failure. I actually took the pictures for this on March 31st and then proceeded to never have time to write any posts, ever.<br />
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I actually had a ton of April favorites, and that is why I'm going to post this quickly now because I found some goodies I can't help but want to share.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My April Favorites!!!<br />
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I'll start with hair. I've absolutely been loving my<b> MoroccanOil </b>the past month. It makes my hair so soft and shiny, and I don't know why I stopped using it daily. I can be pretty lazy about hair products, which makes it weird that there are two this month. I've also been loving <b>Alterna's volumizing mousse</b>. I don't even think they make this anymore, but I've loved the huge difference it makes in the volume/look of my blowouts. Even if I let my hair airdry, I get so much more body at my roots, which I love.<br />
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For body, I found this sample of a <b>Victoria's Secret body lotion in Vanilla Coconut Passion</b> in my linen closet and decided to use it up. It smells so good, and it has this super fine shimmer/gleam to it that I love on my skin in the sunlight.<br />
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Now let's jump into makeup. This month I pretty much just threw my <b>Cover Girl Jumbo Gloss Balm in Watermelon Twist</b> and my <b>Baby Lips in Cherry</b> in my purse and used them 80% of the time. Both give nice, sheer color that pretty much can go with any neutral makeup look. I also found myself reaching for my Naked palette almost every day. I go through phases where I favor one Naked palette over the other, and this month I was all about the first one. I used naked or buck through my crease with a 224 brush almost every day, and Sidecar was on my lid a lot.<br />
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Apparently this month was the month of cheek color, because I was all about my blush. I love <b>MAC's Well Dressed</b> blush, a light cool pink that I've raved about on here before. I love that I don't have to be super careful about where I place this blush since it's not so dark, which is awesome for mornings where I am rushing to get my makeup done. I've also been ravenously attacking my deluxe sample of the <b>Benefit Bella Bamba</b> blush. It's no secret that I dislike NARS Orgasm, and I feel like this blush is what I <i>wanted</i> Orgasm to be. It's a pinky-coral with some shimmer and it just looks awesome on my skin. Plus it smells really good. What's not to like? Last, but certainly not least, I've been OBSESSED with my <b>NARS Albatross</b> highlighter this month. I've used it almost every day along the tops of my cheekbones. I don't know why it took me so long to love it, but now I'm hooked.<br />
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It'll come as no surprise to you that I finished my <b>Market Peach candle</b>. I've never burned through a candle so quickly, and I'm still not sick of this stuff. I actually bought another one because the thought of going a really long time without it made me super sad.<br />
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I promise that there are more posts coming soon - check back soon!<br />
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XOXO SamanthaSamanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-73577779915573847882013-05-01T16:19:00.001-07:002013-05-01T16:19:39.271-07:00Glitter French Manicure!!!I was craving doing something different with my nails, and the fancy struck me to finally try a glitter French manicure... it was a total success!! It looks so pretty and girly, and a nice mix-up from the stark white lines of normal French manicures.<br />
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I used Chanel Ballerina as a base, but any light pink would do. The tips are OPI Goldeneye from the James Bond collection. What makes this perfect? It was sooooo easy - with glitter, the line is much more forgiving, and mistakes don't show up as much. I'm definitely going to be trying out some different color combos of this for summer!</div>
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What are you guys wearing on your nails right now? Let me know in the comments below! :)</div>
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XOXO Samantha </div>
<br />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-47362803684554524162013-04-22T19:51:00.003-07:002013-04-22T19:51:41.661-07:00Nail of the Day: Essie Mod SquareGood evening ladies (and gents)!! What better way to start off a week than with a fresh manicure? I can't think of one!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsMa03Kh0k9D-L3rxVoG8VuXza2RXrYpvPcbqsauVeS_5465bbPSkzAVUu4g4tICZI-8LLhI6GAeQv2MRhSjR-DWD-CnS2ubvZKshhToIkhU0Xk8iMFhUR1tdie_pTaWyQKESPil3o1Q/s1600/photo+%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsMa03Kh0k9D-L3rxVoG8VuXza2RXrYpvPcbqsauVeS_5465bbPSkzAVUu4g4tICZI-8LLhI6GAeQv2MRhSjR-DWD-CnS2ubvZKshhToIkhU0Xk8iMFhUR1tdie_pTaWyQKESPil3o1Q/s400/photo+%25289%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Essie Nail Polish in Mod Square</td></tr>
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So I mentioned in my <a href="http://girlinamagicalworld.blogspot.com/2013/03/dear-essie-nail-polish.html" target="_blank">last nail post</a> that I have a love-hate relationship with Essie polishes. However, I do own several because I went to college in a very small town that was about 45 minutes away from the closest OPI vendor. The Walmart 5 minutes away started selling Essie, which was much more accessible<br />
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My beloved favorite OPI pink, Feelin' Hot-Hot-Hot! exploded all over my nail polish drawer one day and I found myself needing a bright pink in a bad way. I picked up Mod Square, a cool, bright, pink cream shade with a touch of neon. It's not a dupe for Feelin' Hot-Hot-Hot! (which is warmer), but it gives a similar vibe. I've have issues with the opacity of Essie polishes - I find a lot of them to be streaky and they usually require 3 coats, something I hate doing for a color that isn't "spectacular" or unique.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hilariously tiny child hands with a very pretty polish.</td></tr>
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However, this color is better than others I've used in the line. It is still a bit streaky on the first coat, and can be uneven on the second, but I find that using it with my Revlon base makes it stick better and I can get nearly-opaque coverage in 2 coats. It's a super fun bright color for spring, and it's one of those colors that just makes my hands look <i>tanner</i>, ya know? And sorry for the iPhone pictures - my normal camera sometimes makes things look super yellow in artificial light (not quite sure how to fix this), and it was especially bad tonight.<br />
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<b>Bonus Candle-Of-The-Night</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B&BW Lemon Mint Leaf Candle</td></tr>
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I think this would definitely be a love-or-hate candle, depending on whether you think it smells <i>clean</i>, or just like bathroom cleaner. To me, it smells like what I imagine a squeaky clean room should smell like, and it's growing on me. It's not something I'd want to leave burning for hours on end, but letting it burn for an hour or so makes my room smell refreshed even for hours after I've blown it out.<br />
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What color polish are you wearing right now? Let me know down below!!<br />
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XOXO Samantha<br />
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<br />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-49731068446460962132013-04-20T15:00:00.002-07:002013-04-20T15:04:24.576-07:00A Few of my Favorite Things... Brown Shadow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Time for a few more of my favorite things!!!</div>
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It's been almost a month since I did my <a href="http://girlinamagicalworld.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-few-of-my-favorite-things-blush.html" target="_blank">last installment</a> in my Favorite Things series. I'm mixing it up from the last time I did a <a href="http://girlinamagicalworld.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-few-of-my-favorite-things-shadow.html" target="_blank">set of favorite shadows</a> and including both a cream shadow and individual colors from a palette (which could be a favorite all on its own). Some of these shadows are new favorites, while others are colors I've owned and loved for years, but rest assured that all of these colors are ones I reach for several times a week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyDzkKnb8W_60HkufxwqQhTG3WZdgPYBrXi-TVJOC5Ur71D66YnJcbzRTsvxengKOfh5ZrcGLjpY4yOA8akXbETBi52MeERCI2otPyUZLTAxN17f_NCFXppYowlKztuD-O4zm8aGJQI0/s1600/DSC00858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyDzkKnb8W_60HkufxwqQhTG3WZdgPYBrXi-TVJOC5Ur71D66YnJcbzRTsvxengKOfh5ZrcGLjpY4yOA8akXbETBi52MeERCI2otPyUZLTAxN17f_NCFXppYowlKztuD-O4zm8aGJQI0/s400/DSC00858.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Left to Right: Patina, Mulch, Satin Taupe</td></tr>
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<b>MAC Patina </b>- This may be my favorite MAC shadow. The camera doesn't do this one justice, folks. I was struggling for words to describe this shade, and keep coming up blank. MAC's site describes it as a "taupe brown with golden pearl" and I guess that's accurate, but it leaves out the magic of this shade. It's fairly light, much lighter than a color like Satin Taupe. It never quite looks like one color (much like actual patina) and that shift is really neat. JUST GO SWATCH IT! I promise you won't regret it. I like using this as an all-over lid color, or for a very subtle eye running a bit of this through the crease for just a touch of definition.<br />
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<b>MAC Mulch</b> - A red-brown with a nice sheen to it. I love this brown because it's warm without being orange - and definitely the reason I almost always reach for this over MAC's Bronze. If "red-brown" makes you cringe, I promise this doesn't come off as red on the eyes. It's a great, easy to work with crease color - I particularly love pairing this with Shroom all over the lid and brow.<br />
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<b>MAC Satin Taupe</b> - A cool taupe with silvery sparkle. It's a good staple cool brown to have at your disposal. And the formulation is dreamy - I wish all MAC shadows were as lovely as this one.<br />
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<b>CoverGirl Single Eye Shadow in Tapestry Taupe:</b> I think I've ranted and raved enough about this shadow over the past couple of months. It's a great light taupe color, and I love wearing it on my lids. I use this and Sidecar the most for lid color.<br />
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<b>Urban Decay Naked Palette </b>- This palette could be a favorite all on its own. It's funny, because by looks I'd think I'd like Naked 2 much more, but I find myself reaching for this much more. This was a Christmas present from CDBP, and could possibly be why it holds such a special place in my heart. However, there are 2 shades I use much more than the rest:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPAbSiK069NtJVi224CHzx12x-H3DpVQVj1op548ABofkdTdoC4Hhmg2Vs_sOVeo65IlCqmXuFJejsxxmHw-dc7ziFOs54ekfxURB7q0qye1x7bLI578rGJFhClOkxYoM0vXLdxYbmNw/s1600/DSC00866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPAbSiK069NtJVi224CHzx12x-H3DpVQVj1op548ABofkdTdoC4Hhmg2Vs_sOVeo65IlCqmXuFJejsxxmHw-dc7ziFOs54ekfxURB7q0qye1x7bLI578rGJFhClOkxYoM0vXLdxYbmNw/s400/DSC00866.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Left to Right: Tapestry Taupe (CG), Sidecar, Naked</td></tr>
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<b>- Naked</b>: There isn't anything special about this shade... and that's why I love it. It's a matte light brown that is perfect to run through my crease to warm it up a bit and aid in blending out other darker shadows. And it doesn't show up as orange on my skin, a huge problem I have with warm browns. I use this mostly with my 224 to warm up my crease after applying a midtone brown (like Sidecar, Tapestry Taupe, or Patina) to my lid.<br />
<b>- Sidecar:</b> I like to think of this as the warm and slightly lighter version of Satin Taupe. It's cooler than other shades in the Naked Palette, but it definitely has gold sparkle to it. This shade is versatile and it's light enough to be worn on the lid for an everyday look or can be used in the crease.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFYIjO2PnvaPktAWAjD8ObZ1ah2x4vo1K89g2J6TuwxJqe5NO8LG6BhALQ8kw0qDoi_J-PGOsVcJXPCutxD9PTHbIUfbLLun5cYTZbH6sKkVUXm1xFFC0KqE3s40B-Hu9XAC-cgjNidY/s1600/DSC00871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFYIjO2PnvaPktAWAjD8ObZ1ah2x4vo1K89g2J6TuwxJqe5NO8LG6BhALQ8kw0qDoi_J-PGOsVcJXPCutxD9PTHbIUfbLLun5cYTZbH6sKkVUXm1xFFC0KqE3s40B-Hu9XAC-cgjNidY/s400/DSC00871.JPG" width="400" /></a><b><br /></b>
<b>Maybelline 24 Hour Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze:</b> A cream shadow! I've honestly never understood why this is called "bronze" because it wears a lot like Satin Taupe on my skin. I guess it's more like a cooler brown with bronzey sparkle? Or maybe most of the "bronze" shades I have run orange and this doesn't. Regardless of my issues with the name, I love this color. I wear it both on its own and as a base for other shadows. I'm particularly fond of Stila's Kitten over this!<br />
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I'd love to talk about your favorite brown shadows down below - leave me a comment telling me what you reach for the most!!<br />
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XOXO SamanthaSamanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-27990306431947022232013-04-17T19:18:00.000-07:002013-04-17T19:18:32.854-07:00*REVIEW* - CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 FoundationI showed the CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation in a <a href="http://girlinamagicalworld.blogspot.com/2013/04/excuses-and-haul.html" target="_blank">recent haul</a>, and thought I'd share my thoughts on this relatively new foundation with all of you. I have to admit, as far as foundations go, I was pretty excited to give this a whirl. I was really <i>curious</i> about the product. A full coverage drugstore foundation? That promises to stay on all day? And replace concealer? <i>What???</i> I know, right? The marketing totally got me too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIf-TVm2-M03otB9oCPvhKw9Q-0xOzT4_aTWqBHvTcCGQcsbt31Yizcl0xiUWwZf1zWeXdGHOifxTRibRAclHyE-h42GPtxK4bIefvFL9I63JOoUpVCpZhyphenhyphen7IkyVkeeoK_Tps04x0WGY/s1600/DSC00851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIf-TVm2-M03otB9oCPvhKw9Q-0xOzT4_aTWqBHvTcCGQcsbt31Yizcl0xiUWwZf1zWeXdGHOifxTRibRAclHyE-h42GPtxK4bIefvFL9I63JOoUpVCpZhyphenhyphen7IkyVkeeoK_Tps04x0WGY/s400/DSC00851.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Of course I was burning Market Peach. What else do you expect?</span></td></tr>
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I purchased it in the lightest shade, Ivory, and was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't too dark for me. I was also beyond thrilled that a drugstore brand finally decided to put a pump on a foundation. SOMEONE SEND A MEMO TO REVLON - QUICK!!! Seriously -- why do so few drugstore foundations have pumps that I have to get this excited about the ones that do? It's not rocket science - even my cheap-o hand soap has this pump business down.<br />
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Sheesh.<br />
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I have to say I was really pleased by this foundation. It's a full coverage foundation, but it felt light on the skin and never looked mask-like. The product itself is a pretty thin liquid, which gives it really nice blendability, and you don't have to worry about it drying before you have time to work with it. I have normal-to-dry skin that is prone to flaking, so I was worried that this foundation would emphasize minor flaking or dryness. On my first attempt, I applied with my RealTechniques Expert Face Brush, which didn't work out well. The buffing brush plus a more matte foundation <i>did</i> emphasize the minimal dryness of my skin and made me <i>look</i> like I was wearing foundation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8q0JCn0hSv5OB59GcBncwxXw7wx2ju0jPi3RYD4v1Bv-22Uxz3AVqAauQk3aR93AS0GSuw8RV8GTrX0VQxTCGD-Fm9e0MoXkdjr9SCxolYdybVY5jgxca0NipzfnwDDVDWsgBJlpx2jA/s1600/DSC00852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8q0JCn0hSv5OB59GcBncwxXw7wx2ju0jPi3RYD4v1Bv-22Uxz3AVqAauQk3aR93AS0GSuw8RV8GTrX0VQxTCGD-Fm9e0MoXkdjr9SCxolYdybVY5jgxca0NipzfnwDDVDWsgBJlpx2jA/s320/DSC00852.JPG" width="320" /></a>I'm so glad I gave this foundation a second chance, because when applied with my MAC 190 foundation brush, this stuff is absolute <i>perfection</i>. While I still needed to use concealer on my undereye circles and one or two red scars, this totally covered up any smaller spots and all the redness around my nose and chin. It has a more natural-to-matte finish, which I LOVE. There is nothing I hate more than being halfway through a day only to have my foundation start to feel greasy and slimy on my face (my main beef with the Nearly Naked foundation). While my arm is lighter than my face so the shades don't quite match up, you can see the nice, soft matte finish the foundation gives in the picture below. There is no shine or dewiness, which is the kind of finish I love. This stuff lasted ALL DAY - I went from a full day of work to a benefit dinner and my face looked flawless from start to finish. No weird spots where my foundation had worn or melted off!! It's also worth mentioning that this didn't oxidize on me, which has been a problem for me with other <a href="http://girlinamagicalworld.blogspot.com/2013/03/review-revlon-nearly-naked-foundation.html" target="_blank">drugstore foundations</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp91w11yniYzASCfjrUasEEM0d3lIy-unHkeaom65fijGELS85gXsj3kgi7dzPeJlOK7CQv2gHMXTpxqJFSktkmwAMX3FdeG_R0Yk1KfXyQZPE5s9kbk15Vb0PnmNfN95CzDhh6M27tl0/s1600/DSC00853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp91w11yniYzASCfjrUasEEM0d3lIy-unHkeaom65fijGELS85gXsj3kgi7dzPeJlOK7CQv2gHMXTpxqJFSktkmwAMX3FdeG_R0Yk1KfXyQZPE5s9kbk15Vb0PnmNfN95CzDhh6M27tl0/s320/DSC00853.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: Liquid foundation; Right: Blended out</td></tr>
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Overall, I really liked this foundation. My last few skin makeup choices have left me disappointed, so it was refreshing to go into a drugstore product with low expectations and be really impressed. It'll be nice to have a long-lasting full-coverage foundation on my side going into the melt-y summer months.<br />
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What foundations have you been wearing into spring? Does your routine change at all as it warms up, or do you stick to the same base day in and day out? Let me know down below!<br />
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XOXO Samantha<br />
<br />Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-56077954972346861262013-04-15T13:00:00.000-07:002013-04-17T16:26:26.103-07:00My Skincare Routine (and hello, SPRING!!!)Happy spring, y'all!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">CDBP bought me pretty spring flowers!!!!</span></div>
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It's 70 and sunny here today, and I'm listening to the birds chirp and the neighbor kids play as I type this. I started a new and exciting job today, it smells gorgeous outside, and I'm in the best mood I've been in in a while. What a day!!<br /><br />
I thought I'd take some time today to share my skincare routine with you guys. I had very oily skin all the way until the end of college, when my face suddenly started freaking out and became dry, flaky, and super sensitive. It took me about 3-6 months to really figure out what my skin had become and how to deal with it. I have found that if I use products that are too heavy I'll still break out, but oil-free moisture no longer cuts it in my world. It was a balancing act, but I'll show you guys what I use after the jump!<br />
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<a name='more'></a><b>Morning Routine</b><br />
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I wash my face in the shower in the morning. If I'm going to exfoliate, it's probably going to be now - it's buys me a couple of extra minutes in the warm shower before I have to face the day!<br />
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I alternate using <b>Lush's Ultrabland</b> and <b>Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Cream Cleanser</b>. If I'm using the cream cleanser, I'm also using my <b>Clarisonic</b>. My poor Clarisonic - a bottle of nail polish remover broke open in my checked luggage on a plane last year. For those of you who didn't take chemistry: acetone degrades plastic. The brush still works fine... the handle just looks really wonky from where things stuck to it after the remover got to it. I love my Clarisonic. It's too much for me to use every day, but it works nicely to keep my skin clear and exfoliated.<br />
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About once every week or two, I'll use a little bit of <b>Ocean Salt from Lush</b> to either scrub off Ultrabland or on it's own for an extra-scrubby experience. It's drying, but man does it get my skin smooth and flake free. I always use lots of moisture after this. Mixing it with Ultrabland definitely makes it less harsh.<br />
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I have very fair skin, so using SPF daily is a must. I mix a little bit of my <b>Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture with SPF 15 </b>and the<b> Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Day Lotion </b>together for my daily moisturizer. I find that just using the Day Lotion is too much, and my skin gets oily and clogged. I also use a dab of my <b>Revive Eye Cream</b> <i>under</i> my eyes - I never put eye cream on my lids if I'm going to be following it up with makeup. Talk about crease city!<br />
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<b>Night Routine</b><br />
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My biggest concern at night is "taking the day off." I hate going to bed feeling like I still have makeup residue on my face - and can literally count on one hand the number of times I've fallen asleep with makeup on. I have been using <b>Maybelline's The Flash Clean Makeup Removing Lotion</b> as my primary makeup remover. I wet my face, apply a dollop of product, and rub it into every nook and cranny on my face. I then wipe it off with a damp washcloth. I find the washcloth to be necessary - the product won't dissolve off my face with water and my hands alone. If I'm feeling lazy, my cleansing stops here. If I'm willing to put an extra minute into my face, I'll grab a tiny bit of <b>Ultrabland</b> and massage it into my face before also wiping it off with a damp washcloth. Using both removes every last trace of makeup from my face without stripping my skin. I love that my face never feels "tight" after washing it anymore - a big difference from all those acne cleansers I used for years!<br />
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I usually still have a tiny smudge of eye makeup left under my lash line. I'll dip a Q-Tip into <b>Neutrogena's Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover</b> and run it alone my lash line to get the last bits of mascara and liner residue off. This may sound silly, but I definitely prefer the Johnson & Johnson brand cotton swabs to the "Q-Tip brand" ones. The J&J ones have a plastic stick (no getting soggy from liquid product) and less fluff (no fuzzies getting caught in your eyes and lashes).<br />
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I also mix moisturizers at night. I first apply my <b>Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Combination Skin</b>. I then take just the teensiest bit of <b>La Mer</b>, rub it between my fingers, and pat it onto my skin. I find that already having a layer of moisture down helps me to use less since I spread the La Mer more easily along my skin. I know, I know, La Mer costs more than a kidney on the black market. I didn't pay for this - my mom had an unused tub of it and wasn't planning on using it so it was gifted to me when my skin first started flipping out. I have made this thing last for nearly a year and I still have a lot left. I don't plan on repurchasing it, but I'll miss it when it's gone. It smells amazing and feels super luxurious - maybe one day I'll have the money... *sigh* I finish things off by patting in my <b>Revive Eye Cream</b> around the whole eye area.<br />
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What products do you use in your skincare routine? And seriously, is anyone else as pumped about spring as I am? I don't know that I've ever been so relieved to see green grass and hear birds chirping in the morning. Feel free to freak out about warm weather with me in the comments below! :D<br />
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XOXO SamanthaSamanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-85612461349252943242013-04-09T16:00:00.001-07:002013-04-09T16:00:18.899-07:00Project 10 PanAs evidenced by my last blog entry, I've been spending waaaay too much money on makeup. I'm drawing a line right here: no new makeup until I finish 10 items in my collection.*<br />
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*Okay, okay, there are exceptions. I only keep 2 mascaras around at once, and toss them after 3 months. So I can still buy mascara. And I also only use one concealer/corrector and powder, so I can rebuy those if need be. But no eye makeup, no liner, no foundation, no blush, no lipstick or lipgloss... NOTHING ELSE.<br />
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I also declare that I'm going to do my darndest to actually finish a Bobbi Brown Gel Liner. I've never finished one before it started cracking and drying up before, and I'd love to say I've done it. We'll see how this goes.<br />
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XOXO SamanthaSamanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590726793766936502.post-43087653124919584152013-04-08T19:40:00.000-07:002013-04-08T19:46:06.701-07:00Excuses and a HaulMy car broke down.<br />
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It's not much, but it explains why this post is going up so late. I have SERIOUSLY been trying to get this posted since Thursday, but have had a lot to deal with the past few days. I even fell asleep for a few minutes in the middle of typing this. Yeeeeaaaaaah, it was that kind of weekend.<br />
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You wouldn't be able to tell from this blog, but I swear I don't normally buy this much makeup. I just feel like there have been so many new and exciting products at the drugstore this spring that I can't help myself. Plus up until this year I've really only been "into" buying eye products - and now I'm really into face and lips. I am constantly craving trying out new foundations and lip colors... and I have terrible self-control.<br />
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<b>PART ONE: ULTA</b><br />
There was a 20% off everything coupon. I mean, COME ON.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQ_gGh1mlpZaihzn8CCmhT6SoMGL5iRLCpls8KBMbKHNQxKkRPp05v4LJ7dDM3EZnFSejr4CWBWBdWaspTcL2DALLylX-kUjbHQwl57a6mmGkSFMjq7L7WTNOK6Mn18dfLqZc8naEAlE/s1600/DSC00822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQ_gGh1mlpZaihzn8CCmhT6SoMGL5iRLCpls8KBMbKHNQxKkRPp05v4LJ7dDM3EZnFSejr4CWBWBdWaspTcL2DALLylX-kUjbHQwl57a6mmGkSFMjq7L7WTNOK6Mn18dfLqZc8naEAlE/s400/DSC00822.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>Tarte BB Cream</b><br />
I've raved about how much I love this product <a href="http://girlinamagicalworld.blogspot.com/2013/03/february-favorites.html" target="_blank">here</a> before. It's amazing - and I decided to take the plunge and buy a full sized tube of this. I know that going into summer I'm not going to want the feel of a heavy foundation, and this is super light weight, long lasting, and not at all greasy -- so basically everything I want in a base. It has light coverage, but it evens out the redness in my skin and makes the texture/tone look 100 times better. I'm sure you'll be hearing a lot about this in the next few months.<br />
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<b>Real Techniques Expert Face Brush</b><br />
Can I just tell you how excited I am to do my foundation with this brush tomorrow? Because I am so flippin' excited you'd think it was Christmas Eve. This brush is soft and dense, and will be perfect for buffing foundation into my skin. I also really wanted to pick up the stippling brush, but my Ulta was out of them. Sad Pandas :(<br />
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<b>China Glaze For Audrey</b><br />
Fact: I am obsessed with Audrey Hepburn. My mom raised me on classic movies; when I was in 2nd grade I told my class my favorite movie was Sabrina, and they all thought I was talking about a teenage witch. Silly kids. I had a "display-only" Barbie of Audrey in the white ball gown from My Fair Lady. I had three posters of her in my dorm room. The fact that they named a Tiffany box blue color after her just means I wanted it more. I'm currently wearing this on my nails and I love it.<br />
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<b>Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lip Stain in Rendezvous</b><br />
I've had this lip stain on my mind since I picked up Sweetheart/Valentine about a month ago. It's a pretty tangerine orange and it totally fits the bill on the bright lip trend I've been digging this year.<br />
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<b>PART TWO: WALMART</b><br />
I also used coupons, which I highly recommend for drugstore makeup - you'll save a ton of money that way!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7qPUXazJGDKZyo5vLQxTp4dS2xcXjBUND_LA33DQRPUrb06UdxW8mnpZ9iIXEPeah0Fe08A97qoxHcUV4aJxbN13FGapDYgOCXoxXhRSsozrPlODeXZY8kZE3WdVQn3Ej79aMhdEdUA/s1600/DSC00824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7qPUXazJGDKZyo5vLQxTp4dS2xcXjBUND_LA33DQRPUrb06UdxW8mnpZ9iIXEPeah0Fe08A97qoxHcUV4aJxbN13FGapDYgOCXoxXhRSsozrPlODeXZY8kZE3WdVQn3Ej79aMhdEdUA/s400/DSC00824.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>CoverGirl Clump Crusher</b><br />
I'm OCD about throwing out my mascara after 3 months - I even make an entry on my calendar for the day it's supposed to get tossed!! Anyways, my LashBlash Volume is about up and I needed a new mascara. I'm feeling adventurous, so I decided to try Clump Crusher, as people have been raving about it everywhere from r/MakeupAddiction to YouTube for months. I'll let you guys know how I like it!<br />
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<b>CoverGirl 3 in 1 Foundation</b><br />
I mentioned this on my wishlist and decided to try it out... I haven't opened it yet, but I'm sure I'll be doing a review on it!<br />
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<b>CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in Watermelon Twist</b><br />
Another wishlist item. I couldn't help myself. I have a problem.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bonus: Swatches of Watermelon Twist and Rendezvous </span></div>
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What makeup have you guys been picking up for spring? Anyone else feel like something bigger and better keeps coming out? I feel like the majority of the releases are out now and that I might be able to curtail my spending for the next few months. We'll see!<br />
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XOXO SamanthaSamanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10312317008026406365noreply@blogger.com0