Archive | July 2014

Photoshop in a tube-Garnier 5 Sec Blur review

Jul19

This is the most amazing primer/smoother I have discovered.  I have tried at least ten other primers, and this is by far the best.  I have found since I started using the 5 Sec Blur that I do not have to wear foundation.  It’s that good.  The results are instant. The fine lines around my eyes virtually disappear after I put the smoother on.  It also evens out your skin tone.  The flaws I have on my face are erased. I do think my skin’s overall appearance improved as the package claimed.  I don’t smoke or really drink which helps me maintain a great complexion.  I also use a 30 SPF moisturizer before using the 5 Sec Blur.

This is one product where everything they say on the packaging is correct. The directions tell you to use a dime size amount, I’ve been using a pea size and it works fine.  The pricing is a good value at $16.99 at www.ulta.com.  My first tube lasted about 6 weeks with daily use.  I’m an Ulta Rewards member so I never seem to pay full price for anything there.  Ulta usually has coupons every few weeks that come with the Sunday newspaper.  I’ve used several other Garnier skin care products, but the 5 Sec Blur is truly a miracle worker.

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod6390732&skuId=2269179&_requestid=257376  Garnier Skin Renew 5 Second Blur

 

 

 

Hair Loss Solution for Women-This works!

Jul16

I’ve had a love/ hate relationship with my hair for over 40 years.  My hair was straight until I went through puberty. I basically woke up when I was 13 and had spiral curls everywhere, almost had a blonde afro.  Back in the 1970’s no one knew how to cut naturally curly hair.  Needless to say it was a pain.  My hair is very fine and it started getting thin when I was in my early 30’s. I didn’t have a lot of options as to how I could wear my hair.  It sucked.  I was thrilled when Rogaine first came out.  It wasn’t cheap and you had to have a prescription. I was bummed as I really couldn’t afford it at the time.

After my son was born, my hair was falling out in handfuls.  I knew it was hormone related, but having thinning hair on top of that didn’t help.  By this time Rogaine was generic and available over the counter.  I gave it a try.  I used the women’s 2% version at first.  I was thrilled when the 5% solution came out.  My dermatologist said the 5% was okay for women.  I’ve been using minoxidil every day for the past fifteen years.

I have found the best price at Wal-Mart on the Equate brand.  I use it once a day.  My thinning was in my crown area, and I’ve been very pleased with the results.  It is a lifelong commitment though.  Once you stop using the product your new hair growth will fall out.  A three bottle supply of the 5% from www.walmart.com is $18.76.  This is a great value as I get six months use from the three bottle supply.  The Equate 5% foam at www.walmart.com is $19.92 for one can.

I use to use the dropper before going to bed, but it made my head itch.  Now I use it as soon as I get home from work, as it absorbs better.  Losing your hair as a woman is devastating.  So much of our appearance is wrapped up in our hair.  The only side effects I’ve had is that my hair is drier than normal.  I have naturally curly hair that is dry to begin with.

I use the 5% foam on my temple areas, as it’s easier to apply.  I’ve never massaged the liquid into my scalp and it works just fine. I will be using minoxidil for the rest of my life.  My hair will never look like it did when I was in my 20’s, but considering I’m 55, it looks pretty darn good.

 

Six Minute Sea Salt Microwave Caramels

Jul14

These are these best caramels ever!  I usually only make candy around Christmas, but these are super yummy and very impressive.  Enjoy!

 

1/4 cup butter

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup light Karo syrup

1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

1Tbsp course sea salt

Directions:

1.   Combine all ingredients.

2.   Microwave 6 minutes , stirring every  two minutes. If mixture looks grainy, microwave in 2 minute intervals, stirring thoroughly until mixture is creamy and has no lumps.

3,   Stir and pour into foil line lightly greased 8 x 8 dish or cookie sheet

4.    Let cool for 15 minutes

5.    Sprinkle sea salt over mixture and refrigerate for at least one hour.

6.    Cut, wrap in parchment paper & store in an air tight container. ( or just cut, they probably won’t last long enough to wrap)

Added a sprinkle of sea salt across the top after pouring and the taste was amazing. So easy to make. Just be more patient than I was and let the caramel cool completely for easy cutting. Also, using the proportions in the recipe, you can pour into a half cookie sheet and still have room to spare, but when you slice it up and wrap into parchment paper or cut into squares, it makes nearly two dozen servings. Definite crowd pleaser!

I use a pizza cutter to cut the caramels.  It works great!

 

Are sequins next????

Jul14

On a recent Saturday afternoon, I was shopping at my local department store.  When out of the corner of my eye, I saw something sparkly hanging on the wall. Turns out it was a jean jacket style jacket with sequins? What? When have I ever worn sequins on a jacket? Where in the world would I wear something like that?  I had a flashback of a senior citizen I saw in Vegas with sequins and sparkles head to toe. What’s happening to me???

Lately when I’m looking at the Sunday paper coupon section, I’m looking closer at that the ads geared toward seniors. You know the ones I’m talking about, Velcro slippers, memory foam anything.

While I’ve never been a slave to fashion, I think I usually look pretty good. I’ll never wear anything that makes me look stupid (I hope not anyway).  I was ecstatic when boot cut jeans came back in style.  I was never a fan of “mom” jeans. I wore them only because that’s what was available. Some women still wear them, and god bless em’, but not me.

I’ve noticed as I’ve gotten older that comfort is at the top of my fashion list.  I’m all about comfort, but I draw the line at elastic waist pants. Really!  I’m 55, I think back to when my mother was 55, she was quite the stylish gal.  I remember her vast collection of polyester pants. You may remember them; they had the front crease sewn down the front.  She must have had 20 different colors, with matching hideous blouses; it was the 70’s after all.  I vowed then and there I would never wear old lady clothes, even when I was an old lady. 

I’ve heard 50 is the new 30? Is it really? Or was that just the voices in my head?  I take care of myself and take pride in my appearance.  I’m not trying to look like I’m 20.  No one will ever mistake me for one of the “Real Housewives of anything”, and I’m fine with that.  It’s sad when I see young women who look like they have given up on their appearance. You only have one life, why not look the very best you can.

 

 

Thrift Store Shopping Secrets

Jul12

I am an accountant.  I was unemployed in 2010 for a period of time.   I found a temporary accounting position, but it was half of what I normally earn.  I’ve always prided myself on finding the best deals on clothing, cosmetics, travel, etc.

I have never had a problem finding a good accounting position. In March of 2010, I lost my job as Chief Accountant at a local university. For the first month or so I wasn’t worried. I got a decent severance package, and knew something else would come along. It didn’t for another 12 months.

I’ve never shopped at Goodwill before.  Now I really don’t shop anywhere else. I’ve always considered myself a savvy shopper.  But now I have the nicest clothes amongst most of my friends.

Here are some tips for successful shopping at a thrift store:

  • 1. Give yourself plenty of time to shop.  I’ve found men’s clothing mixed in with the women’s. Also you need to look in a size up or down from what you normally wear.  It’s common to find other sizes mixed in with yours.
  • 2. Look at labels first.  I could never afford to wear designer clothes before, now I can. I also find deals on items from our local department stores, as well as nationwide stores such as Kohl’s.
  • 3. Sign up for store rewards cards. I get advance notices of sales and coupons as well.  Also if I spend over $20, I get an automatic discount of 5% on my purchase.
  • 4. Shopping on half price tag day. Usually on Sunday and Monday a particular color of price tag will be 50% off, add your rewards card discount, and you save a bundle.  Sunday is probably the best time to shop because most people donate on Saturday.
  • 5. If you have lost weight or are losing weight, it’s the best place to go to reward yourself.  When you have lost some weight and your old clothes are getting too baggy, shop Goodwill.  Who wants to spend a lot of money on clothes, only to have them not fit in a month or so.
  • 6. Go outside your comfort zone.  Before I discovered Goodwill, the colors of my wardrobe were indicative of my exciting occupation.  I didn’t own anything pink, purple or coral.  Now I have all the colors of the rainbow in my closet.
  • 7. Go often.  I’ve been going every two weeks.  I take a quick survey of my closet and shop accordingly. You will be amazed at the amount of brand new with the tag items you will find.
  • 8. Last but not least.  Find out when your local department store is having a Goodwill sale. When you donate items to the store they will give you a coupon good for that store.  A week after the sale is over, go to your local Goodwill.  You will be amazed at the selection.  January 1st is great also; as many people (including myself) wait until the last minute to donate for the previous year.
  • 9. And the most important thing, donate regularly to your local thrift store.  They help many people in the community, and it’s a great tax write off.

Physicians Formula Youthful Wear Cosmeceutical Youth Boosting Spotless Powder-Review

Jul12

This is an amazing new product.  It’s much better than a BB cream, as it’s a powder so it’s easy to apply.  It imparts a nice glow.  I use the translucent and it has a light coverage.  I have been using it for about two months and I have seen a reduction in the few spots I had on my face.  The packaging says you will look 10 years younger instantly.  I’m 55 and actually look better now than I did when I was 45, so yeah I guess it works.

It only has an SPF of 15, I recommend using a 30 SPF moisturizer before applying.

I bought mine from Ulta for $13.99, but had a $3 dollar coupon on the package.   It was well worth the price.  I don’t use foundation anymore, just a primer and this powder.  I use a concealer under my eyes and around my nose.  It really appears as if I have no make- up on.

Youthful Wear Spotless Powder

 

 

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod6380027&skuId=2268677&_requestid=258027 

New Sparkler

Jul12

Check out my new ring from Overstock.com.  I’m into silver these days and wanted another wedding ring.  Silver seems to look so fresh, especially in the summer.  This ring really sparkles and looks just right on my “man hands”. It also matches well with my current manicure. Not too shabby for a 55 year old woman, if I do say so myself. Modesty is just one of my many good qualities. That and finding good deals on cool stuff.   Here is the link -https://www.overstock.com/Jewelry-Watches/Tressa-Sterling-Silver-White-Round-cut-Prong-set-Bridal-style-Ring-Set/7604288/product.html?fp=f&cid=230956&token=230956-2309562014070714047939436893831855472331502046-1-46df7a&fp=f&TRACK=emailcusts 008-1