Holy grail products I can't live without!

I rarely talk about beauty or hair products on my blog. I saw a "best of 2009" product list on an awesome beauty blog I discovered recently, Veronika's Blushing, and thought I'd give this a go too!
I have never really paid too much attention to make-up and hair product until recently, but after giving birth last year I have really noticed a dramatic change in my skin and hair (remember when I pretty much went bald?- glad that's over!). I started to pay attention to new products that would really work with the change in my skin and hair's texture. You'll notice I'm not true to one brand or another, but without further adieu, here's the products that made my holy grail list for 2009!

Best Liquid Foundation:
Mary Kay medium coverage foundation. I've actually used this for several years and am still really pleased with it. I've heard so many great things about the Revlon Colorstay line of foundations, so I think I might give it a try once my MK foundation runs out.

Best Bronzer:
Mary Kay signature Bronze highlighting powder. Since my skin is brown already, I use bronzing powder year round, and treat it like a blush. This one has a slight shimmer- but not noticeably glittery.

Best Blush:
Clinique's Soft pressed powder in Mocha pink. I got this as a freebie in Clinque's gift with purchase goodie bag. It's subtle, and for me, it gives a 'barely there' blush look on my cheeks.

Overall Favorite Eye Shadow Brand:
A few of my favorites have come from gift with purchase freebies- I love Clinique's line, and I also love Lancome and Stila's line's as well.

Best Eye product:
I cannot say enough good things about Urban Decay's Primer potion. My eyeshadow always creased within a few hours before discovering this base product. It also makes shadow pigment brighter and last longer.

Best Eyeliner:
Lancome Le Stylo Waterproof in Noir. Smudges nicely for a soft look, and stays put all day long.

Best Mascara:
I'm constantly switching mascaras. I heard great things about Covergirl's Lash Blast, but I hated the lash wand, and that was a deal breaker for me. Right now, I'm using the tail end of a freebie from Clinique- High Impact Mascara, and I really like it. I might have to go buy the full size product!

Best Lip Gloss:
I love C.O Bigelow's Mentha Lip Shine. I will end up losing (read: Cameron will hide) this product before it ever runs out. It's minty- so it freshens your breath and makes your lips SO soft.

Best Lipstick:
I don't ever wear lipstick, but when I need a little color, I like Chanel's glossimer in Giggle.

Outstanding Brush:
Sephora's Professional Brush line is AMAZING. The right brush makes all the difference in make-up application!


Best Shampoo/Conditioner Product:
I've been searching for better hair products this year, but haven't quite made the jump to salon grade products yet (I'm nervous about spending my hard earned dollar on something I might not love). I recently discovered L'oreal's EverPure line; it's botanically based and sulfate free (no harsh cleansers!) and the volumizing blend is perfect for my fine, delicate hair. It's also wallet friendly at about 7 bucks a pop. I should also mention that I can go 3 days between washings- which is almost unheard of when you have such fine hair!



Best Hair product:
BioSilk Silk Therapy. I use this as an iron guard when straightening my hair. It also can be used on skin too- and gives an the appearance of glowing, hydrated skin- awesome if you have an outfit that reveals winter-dry skin! I recall using this on around my neck and bustline on my wedding day for that extra glow.

MVP (Most Valuable Product):
Without a doubt, Smashbox photo finish primer is my favorite product. It goes on underneath foundation for a flawless complexion, and make up stays put all day (and night!). I love how silky it feels, and it makes applying foundation so much smoother. A definite must have for drab, post-partum skin!!!!! (yes, I just used 5 exclamation points. It's that good.)


Runner Up:
Mary Kay's Micro dermabrasion kit. For me, a smooth skin palatte makes application look go on a lot easier, and look so much smoother. I use it about twice a week for fresh looking skin!

Okay, your turn!! What is your absolute favorite product? Or better yet, make a product list of your own and tell me about it!

Well, crap.

Remember last weekend I mentioned that I was going to sign up for a membership to the YMCA so we could go to the pool this summer? Well, I did it! But now I need to find swim suit. (Read: A swim suit for my not-so-fabulous post-baby-bod.) Before Cameron was even born, I was determined to get into a cute polka dot bikini come summertime. My goal was to lose all the weight by May. And I did- I'm even a few lbs under! The problem, my friends, are the awesome stretch marks that are still hanging around, uninvited. A tankini, it is. 

I've been perusing various websites for the perfect tankini. I checked out Lands End, as I've heard they have a nice selection. And they do- if you are 50+ years old. I may be a mom, but I'm not quite ready for the "mom" swimsuit just yet. Next stop, Victoria's Secret.com. Bad idea, Leslie. Just like watching the 2008 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at the hospital when you're in labor, 2 weeks overdue. Very bad idea. Those girls make the ugliest swimming suits look smashing. Last stop, Old Navy.com. When I was in the store the other day, the selection was picked over from Memorial Day shoppers, but I managed to find a size I fit into, and the prices were great. So I went online, and to my surprise I found styles and patterns I didn't see in the stores at even lower prices! Score. Here's what should be arriving at my doorstep in a few days:

Mix & Match, 12.50

Mix & Match bottoms 12.50

Mix & Match halter 12.50

Mix & Match hipster 3.99

What do you think? Not horrible, right? I think I can make these work!

So if there's one thing I'm good for...

...It's designated driving. Yep, Saturday night I will be DD'ing for our good friends (who happen to be our next-door neighbors) while we're out celebrating Andrea's 30th birthday! It should be fun- I'm pretty stoked! There must be some kind of reward (like, a cool blinky badge or something) for me being such a Good Samaritan, right? For volunteering to keep the roads safe and the world a better place? For bettering mankind by showing just how cool it is to be the "safe ride?"
Well, it may not be my birthday but I felt I needed a new pair of jeans for my good deeds (and because these days, nothing in my closet fits). So I cruised over to The Gap and found these cute trouser jeans- for just $59.50! I'll be able to wear them to work, too because they are a nicer, dressy denim. I think this model makes them look a little masculine- so I might have to take a snapshot, because they really look good on!

First signs of Spring!

I am SO glad this brutal winter is almost through. As I pointed out in an earlier entry, it's nice to get a taste of winter and snow, but after Christmas is over, I'm ready to see it go. Today is the first day in March- which, in my book marks the first day of spring. And since today has brought gorgeous 70 degree temps, I decided to dig deep into my closet and break out a pair of trusty Havaianas flip-flops.

I'm someone who lives in flip flops, but can't wear a lot of those cute, paper-thin styles I see everywhere, thanks to shin splints from being a runner and a long-jumper. So, when I discovered my first pair of Havaianas flip flops, I quickly realized that I could wear them ANYWHERE for hours without painful shins and heals. You'll find when you slip a pair of these on and take a few steps that they are bouncy and ultra comfy, thanks to a 46-year old secret rubber formula that these flips are crafted from. While they aren't super fashionable, you'll see them in trendy magazines and on the hottest celebs. They are, in a sense, the epitome of island lifestyle which I'll gladly accept, seeing how I live in Kansas. I love that they come in a bazillion different colors and patterns, all the more reason for me to collect the new ones they put out each year. The best part: All 25 of the solid colors are just 15 bucks.

If you're in the market for new flip flops (and who isn't?) be sure to check out Havaianas website. Though this flash website isn't super navigable, listening to the catchy island music kept me looking around for awhile. Happy Spring!

5 things I need want right this second.

At any given time I have a list of things I have my eye on. My list changes all the time, and dang it, my wallet can't seem to keep up. (This is where my nasty spending habit comes to play.) Nevertheless, here are my top 5 must-haves this week:

1. I'm loving this sleeper sofa from Crate and Barrel right now. We are going to be furnishing our basement soon, and I love the idea of a sofa that doubles for sleeping space.

2. This one isn't so practical to purchase anytime soon, but I've had my eyes on it for a long time. What's cool about this Chimo fireplace from Lekker Home is that its clean burning fuel is organic (made from goods like potatoes, wheat, and other veggies) making it enviornmentally friendly. Bonus: it mounts directly to any wall.

3. A new pair of jeans just in time for spring. Adriano Goldschmeid is one of my favorite jean designers-- these jeans last forever and I love that they are manufactured in California.

4. I've been dying for a new camera like this Digital SLR by Cannon. I'm really into photography, and want to learn more. Until I can afford it, I'll continue faking my photographic skill by being a whiz at photoshop. =)

5. Alas, my obsession for decorating has brought me to another home item must-have. I absolutely adore this outdoor patio set from Heal's. I frequent the website of this European furniture company often, but only for inspiration because they don't ship to the U.S. (I imagine if they did, shipping would be outrageous.) That fact doesn't distract me from loving their amazing furniture design and quality-- and I'm on the hunt to find something very similar to theirs.