What's in my Beach/Makeup Bag?

Flip Flops - 2 for $5
Up & Up Sport Sunscreen SPF 50 - $8
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen SPF 30 - $8
Matrix Biolage Protective Hair Oil - $18
ELF Studio Makeup Remover Wipes - $3
Glamour Magazine

Makeup Bag - $9 (black and white striped one found in Target Stores)

::In my Makeup Bag::
- Mini Secret Deodorant Clinical
- Bath & Body Works Mist in "Country Chic"
- Living Proof Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream
- Face Sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 55
- Philosophy's Take a Deep Breath Oil- Free Moisturizer
- Nail File
- Hair Tie, Clip & Bobby pins
- NYX Lipstick in "Georgia"


Have a safe & happy Summer!!!!!  :)

Here are your beauty deals this week!  Enjoy shopping, remember to look for coupons to stack on top of sales to knock the sale prices even lower!

CVS

EXTRA CARE BUCKS DEALS
- Olay Ultra Moisture Lotion, Body Wash, Bath Bar, Total Effects: $6.29 + $2 ECB = $4.29/ea
-Venus Pro Skin, Embrace, Breeze or Olay Razor: $8.99 + $4 ECB = $4.99/ea
- Wet n Wild Nail Pail: $9.99 + $4 ECB = $6/ea

BOGO 75% OFF
- All Lumene Skin Care

BOGO 50% OFF
- CeraVe
- Dial Bar Soap/Nutriskin Lotion or Body Wash
- Maybelline Face Eye or Lip
- Milani Cosmetics

ON SALE
- All Cover Girl Lashblast Mascara: $7.50
- All Jergens Natural Glow: $8.99
- Clean & Clear Body Wash or Facial Cleansers: $4.99
- Cover Girl & Olay Simply Ageless Foundation or Primer $10
- Cover Girl Lip Perfection Color or Liner: $7.50
- Curel Lotion/Jergens Moisturizer/Biore Cleansers or Strips: 2/$12
- Eucerin Lotion or Creme: $9.50
- L'oreal Advanced RevitaLift $12
- L'oreal Age Perfect Serum, Golden Balm Face, Neck & Chest or Eye Cream $14.99
- L'oreal Age Perfect Moisturizer $12
- L'oreal Colour Riche Serum Infused Lip Color: $5.99
- L'oreal Voluminous Mascara: $5.99
- Neutrogena Moisture or Light Night Cream: $9.99
- Olay Facial Hair Removal Duo/Regenerist Kit or Treatment: $22.99
- Olay Regenerist Facial Care, Total Effects Tone or UV Moisturizer: $20.99

WALGREENS

REGISTER REWARD DEALS
- L'oreal Youth Code Kit: $34.99 + $10 RR = $24.99
- SoftSoap Body Wash: 2/$6 + $3 RR = $3 for 2 or $1.50/ea
- U by Kotex Sleek Tampons: $3.99 + $3 RR = $0.99/ea

BOGO - FREE
- Bioinfusion Hair Care

BOGO - 50% OFF
- Banana Boat or Hawaiian Tropic Sun Care
- Cover Girl
- Gillete Disposable Razors
- L'oreal Cosmetics
- Maybelline
- Revlon Cosmetics and Beauty Tools
- Roc Skin Care

ON SALE
- Aussie or Herbal Essences Hair Care: $3.99/ea or 2/$6
- Conair Infiniti Hair Appliances $29.99
- Garnier Nutrisse Foam Hair Color $7.99
- Garnier Nutrisse or Herbashine Hair Color $5.99
- Jergens Skin Care $5.99
- L'oreal Hair Care $2.99
- L'oreal Youth Code or Revitalift Clinical Repair 10 Serum or Moisturizers: $19.99
- Olay Regenerist Skin Care or Smooth Finish Hair Removal Duo: 15% off
- Skintimate Shave Cream or Gel $1.99

RITE AID

UP REWARD DEALS
- Jergens or Natural Glow (BOGO50%): Buy 2, get $3 UP reward
- Kotex U Tampons/Pads/Pantiliners: 2/$8 + $2 UP reward = 2/$6
- Pantene Shampoo/Conditioner: 2/$7 + $2 UP reward = 2/$5
- Physicians Formula Eye Makeup: Buy one item, get $4 UP reward
- Revlon Colorstay and Beauty Tools: Spend $10, get $4 UP reward
- Rimmel (BOGO50%): spend $15, get $5 UP reward
- Treseme Shampoo/Conditioner/Stylers: 2/$8 + $1 UP reward = 2/$7

BOGO - 50% OFF
- Almay
- Cover Girl Cosmetics
- Jergens or Natural Glow
- Olay Skin Care (excludes Pro-X)
- Rimmel

ON SALE
- Nivea Lip Balm: 2/$3
- Herbal Essences or Aussie Shampoo/Conditioner or Stylers: 2/$6
- L'oreal Ever Hair Care $5.99

I don't know about you, but I'm very quickly collecting these empty bags from My Glam.  It's a good idea in theory to give you products in a makeup bag, but do you really need 20 empty cosmetic bags?  I sure don't.  I've come up with a few ideas to help you find some uses for your empty bags instead of just tossing them into the trash.

Bridal Party Emergency Kits - This is mainly what I'm going to use them for.  Keep things like q-tips,
                                                     lip gloss, bobby pins, hairspray, etc. on hand for those wedding day
                                                     emergencies.  With so many empty bags, every bridesmaid is able to
                                                     have her own kit.  Plus she can take home the cosmetic bag.

Vitamins - Forget to take them everyday?  Keep some stocked up in your purse to have them on-the-go
                  when you remember you need them.

Receipts - For all those budget-conscious girls.

Coupons - Instead of carrying around a giant coupon binder to the store, pack multiple bags and
                  organize your coupons by category.  Makes checking out a breeze.

Coins - Trying to stuff coins in my wallet is a lost cause.  Keep your change from rattling around in the
             bottom of your bag and stick extra change in your empty My Glam bag.  For those city girls,
             keep quarters in them for those pesky quarter-only parking meters.

Hair Accessories - I'm always on the hunt for hair ties, bobby pins, clips, etc.  Keep them in all one
                               place with an empty My Glam bag.  

Gifts - Give gift cards, makeup, small presents and much more with your empty My Glam bag.
           Another plus is that the receiver keeps your bag, therefore, it's out of your hair.

Jewelry - They're great for traveling with jewelry.  Organize your jewelry by day or by outfit.

Hope that gives you some ideas for your empty My Glam bag.  If you have other ideas, please feel free to leave me a comment!  I'd love to hear about it!

xoxo.

Laura

It's that time again.  Time for this week's drugstore beauty deals.  Nothing too huge going on this week.

CVS

EXTRA CARE BUCK REWARDS
- Olay Total Effects $18.99 + $2 ECB
- When you buy Wet n Wild Nail Pail ($10) get $4 ECB

BOGO 50% OFF
- Almay
- Artificial Nails or Eyelashes
- Cover Girl Lip Products
- Essence of Beauty Cosmetic Accessories
- Essence of Beauty Skin Care
- L'oreal Foundation, Powder, Blush or Concealer
- Neutrogena Skin, Hair, Sun Care or Cosmetics
- Perfect Scents Fragrances
- Revlon
- Women/Men's Designer Fragrances

ON SALE
- EOS Lip Balm 2/$5
- Nivea Body Wash or Body Scrub $4
- Olay Daily Facial Cloths or Cleansers $3.99
- Physicians Formula: Save $5
- Skin Effects Facial Care 25% off
- Spoiled Nail Color: $0.99

WALGREENS

BOGO 50% OFF
- Conair Hair Accessories or Brushes
- Cover Girl Foundation, Concealer, Powder, Blush and Eye
- Select Fragrances
- Garnier Fructis
- Garnier Skincare
- John Frieda
- L'oreal Studio Secrets and Color Riche
- Maybelline Cosmetics and Beauty Tools
- Olay Total Effects Skin Care
- Pantene
- Revlon Lip and Nail Cosmetics
- Sally Hansen Diamond Strength or Gem Crush Nail Color

ON SALE
- Aveeno Cleansers, Anti-aging Kit or Smart Essentials Eye Roller 20% off
- Aveeno Facial Moisturizers
- Dove or Axe 2/$10
- Fragrances $10 off
- Jergins Natural Glow Skin Care $8.99
- Neutrogena Lip or Eye $5.99
- Neutrogena Skin Care 25% off
- Revlon Hair Styling Tools $5 off
- Studio 35 Professional Beauty Tools 25% off

RITE AID

UP REWARDS
- All Aveeno Skin, Sun, Bath and Baby Care: Spend $30, get $10 UP Reward
- All Burts Bees Skin, Sun, Bath or Lip: Spend $15, get $5 UP reward
- All Frangrances Selection: Spend $30, get $10 UP reward
- All Nail Enamel, Nail Art and Salon Effects: Spend $30, get $10
- Cosmetic Bags and Wallets: Spend $10, get $5 UP reward
- Sally Hansen Cosmetics, Bleach, Depilatories and Beauty Tools: Spend $10, get $5

BOGO FREE
- Physicians Formula Bronzers

BOGO 50% OFF
- Almay Foundation, Powder, Blush, Concealer or Bronzer
- Cover Girl Foundation, Powder, Concealer, Blush or Bronzer
- Garnier Skin Care
- L'oreal Sublime Sun Care and Sunless Tanners
- Neutrogena Cosmetics
- Nexxus Hair Care

ON SALE
- Garnier Nutrisse Hair Color $4.99
- Garnier Fructis Shampoo and Conditioner (10-13oz) $2.99
- L'oreal Age Perfect or Revitalift $11.99
- L'oreal Eyeliners and Voluminous Mascaras $6.99
- L'oreal Facial Cleansers $4.39
- Nivea Skin Care (excludes firming) $5.99
- Revlon Cosmetics and Beauty Tools 40% off
- Wet n Wild Cosmetics (normally $1.99) : $1.29



Note: These are the prices/deals based on ads for California.  Double check your deals with your local drugstores :)

NEONS

(from left to right)

Sinful Colors - Why Not

China Glaze - Flip Flop Fantasy

China Glaze - Sun Worshiper

Essie - Play Date

PASTELS

 (from left to right)

Essie - Fiji

China Glaze - For Audrey

Essie - A Crewed Interest

Sinful Colors - Unicorn

NEUTRALS

(from left to right)

China Glaze - Sea Spray

Essie - Marshmallow

Revlon - Aloof

Essie - Topless & Barefoot 

GLITTER

(from left to right)

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear - Disco Ball

Sinful Colors - Queen of Beauty

Wet n' Wild - Sparkled

What are some of your favorite nail polish colors for summer??  :)

This has been a stand-out product for me for awhile now.  It has quickly become blog-worthy.  It's Essie's "Disappearing Trick".  As I was looking for a base coat, I came across this cute little green tube promising to make your dry cuticles disappear.  I was intrigued and shelled out the $8 for it.  I was a little skeptical at first, but the product very quickly impressed me.

The Good:
- Really does a fantastic job at softening your dry cuticles
- Goes on smooth
- Moisturizes very well
- Dries to a soft, non-sticky consistency
- Lives up to it's promise to make dry areas "disappear"
- Very travel friendly
- The applicator is very nice
- No crazy scent to it

The Bad:
- The price.  I don't think it's worth $8...maaaybe $5, but you know how Essie is kind of pricy anyways

- The liquid-like consistency has a habit of shooting out of the tube if you squeeze it too hard

BEFORE

AFTER

So you can tell from the pictures that it did significantly reduce the appearance of the dry spot on the left side of the nail.  I just applied it via the tube and then used my other hand to rub in the product a little bit.

Bottom line??  BUY IT!! :)

I was inspired by nail guru MissJenFabulous' nail tutorial that she called it "Delicate Pink with a Touch of Sparkle".  It's like a french manicure, but instead of white tips, they're glitter.  And I took my own twist on it changing the pink color used to a light purple.  I'm in love :)

Polishes Used:

Base - China Glaze "Sweet Hook"

Glitter Accent - Sinful Colors "Queen of Beauty"

1. What made you want to start doing YouTube Videos, blogs, etc.?
2. Where do you draw your most inspiration from?
3. What was the first product you remember using?
4. What was the worst trend you participated in?
5. What nail color (if any) did you wear non-stop as a kid?
6. Do you remember your first high-end brand you purchased?
7. What was the most important beauty advice you got from a female role model in your life? (mom,
    grandma, friend, aunt, cousin, etc.)
8. What was the worst beauty advice you ever got?
9. What was the one beauty "rule" you stuck with religiously in high school?
10. Has makeup help you overcome any obstacles in your life?

Don't forget to TAG more people!!  :)

Laura

CVS

EXTRA CARE BUCK REWARD DEALS
- Any Rimmel Cosmetics: $3 ECB
- Cover Girl: spend $10 (lip or eye), get $3 ECB

B2GO-FREE
- CVS Cotton or Nail Polish Remover Balls
- Essence of Beauty Cosmetic Accessories
- CVS Moisturizing Lotion, Body Wash or Bar Soap

BOGO-50% OFF
- All Cetaphil
- Goldbond Lotions, Powders or first aid
- Revlon Cosmetics

ON SALE
- Cover Girl Lashblast Mascara $7
- Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer $7.99
- Olay ProX $42
- Olay ProX Kit $62
- Olay Regenerist Facial Care, Total Effects $20.99
- Old Spice Body Wash: $3.99
- Nicole Nail Color by OPI - $7.99 (go get you some Kardashian Kollection!)
- Roc Skin Care - Save $4

WALGREENS

BOGO-50%OFF
- Clairol Nice N Easy or Non-permanent Hair Color
- Cover Girl Cosmetics
- L'oreal Cosmetics
- Revlon Cosmetics
- Rimmel Foundation, Primer, Powder, Bronzer, Eye or Nail

ON SALE
- Australian Gold Sun Care $2 off
- Aveeno Sun Care $2 off
- Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Color $8.49/ea or 2/$13.99
- Clean & Clear Skin Care of Body Wash $5.49/ea or 2/$10
- Dove $4.49/ea or 4/$15
- Herbal Essences or Aussie Shampoo/Conditioner 2/$12 or $6.49/ea
- John Frieda Preciscion Foam Hair Color $11.99
- Noxzema Disposable Razors $3.99
- L'oreal Skin Care and Sublime Sun or Bronze 25% off
- Olay ProX Skin Care or Acne Protocol Kit $39.99
- Olay ProX Wrinkle Protocol or Starter Kit $59.99
- Olay ProX Cleansing Device $29.99

RITE AID

UP+ REWARD DEALS
- Conair Dryers, Curling Irons, Straighteners, Hot Rollers: Spend $30, get $15 UP Reward
- Jessie's Girl, Sinful Colors, Petite, Brucci, Color Fever and Chameleon Nail Enamel (limit 3): Buy 3
  and get $3 UP Reward
- L'oreal SkinCare (limit 2): Spend $30, get $10 UP Reward
- Revlon Cosmetics: Spend $10, get $4 UP Reward
- Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color: buy 2, get $1 UP Reward (2/$5)

BOGO-50%OFF
- Conair Hair Accessories
- Cover Girl Cosmetics
- L'oreal Lip and Nail
- Maybelline Eye & Lip
- John Frieda
- Revlon Cosmetics
- Sally Hansen Depilatories, Wax or Bleach
- Scunci Hair Accessories
- Simple Skin Care

ON SALE
- Almay Eye Cosmetics $5.99
- Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Color $5.99
- Clean & Clear Facial Cleansers 2/$9
- Nivea and Nivea Sun Kissed Body 25% off
- Jergens All Natural Glow $6.99
- L'oral Skin Care 25% off
- Maybelline Volume Express Mascara, Line Express Eyeliner or Color Sensational Lip Color: $5
- Nivea Lip Balm 2/$3
- Roc Skin Care $7 off (in-ad coupon)
- Softlips 2 Pack 2/$4

Moisturizer:
Origins  - $35

Makeup:
Rimmel Fix and Perfect Pro Primer - $6
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Foundation - $38
Maybelline Super Stay 24-Hour Concealer - $7
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser - $9
NYC Bronzer - $2
NYX Powder Blush - $5
Urban Decay Primer Potion - $20
Urban Decay Naked Palette - $50
Maybelline EyeStudio Master Drama Eyeliner - $6
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara - $9
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick - $7
Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray - $12

Tools:
Beauty Blender Sponge - 2/$24
Eyes Lips Face Studio Brush Set - $30

Spring/Summer 2012 Nail Polish Haul

Ok, so when there are sales on nail polish....I can't help myself.  And this week it was a gold mine for nail polish sales.  I justify it in my head as "it's cheaper to buy a bottle than get a manicure".  Well, then I look in my drawer and figure I have spent way more than a monthly manicure.  Owell.  Some people collect stamps, others collect dolls.  I collect nail polish.

Walgreens is having a Sinful Colors sale $0.99/ea!  They do this regularly, so if you happened to miss this sale, don't worry.  Keep an eye on their ads for their next sale.  So I got 5 for $5!  I haven't tried any of these on my nails yet, but descriptions of each color are below.

Queen of Beauty: Chunky silver glitter polish.  I tried it out as soon as I got home and it gives just enough sparkle without being over powering.  *perfect!*

Cinderella: Soft baby blue with pink micro shimmer.  It's not chunky enough to be a pain to take off, but it catches the light just beautifully.  Kind of reminds me of the opposite of Kimpletely in Love by Nicole OPI.

Unicorn: Your soft yellow.  If you are wanting to try a yellow nail polish, but not sure which hue will suit your skintone...give this one a try.  Softer yellows can compliment any skintone.  Plus yellow is perfect for springtime!

Folly: Bright deep pink that leans towards the red color family.  This will look gorgeous on any skintone.  I'm thinking of using this as a pedicure color.

Glass Pink: The reason I went to Walgreens.  I wanted to get Kimpletely in love, but this looks like an exact dupe.  It is a soft pink with a shimmer to it.  The only difference I noticed is that Kimpletely seems to be a little less shimmery.

*********************************************************************************

Now for the China Glaze portion.  Sallys AND Ulta were having a buy two get one free sale this week.  So I got 3 at Ulta and 6 at Sally's.

Gothic Lolita: A beautiful purple.  It's almost like a deep-colored neon.  SO pretty..Especially on those toes!

Wicked Style: Your average bright pink, but it has some red mixed in to make it a tad bit of a deeper shade.

Sun Worshiper: I thought this one was so unique.  The camera makes it look yellow, but it has more orange in it.  It's a bright yellow-orangy neon.  So pretty!

Peachy Keen: A perfect peach color.  If you want to branch out and try new, bold colors, start with peach and work your way up to yellows, blues and greens.

Flip Flop Fantasy: I finally tracked down this sucker.  I wore it yesterday and it's a gorgeous neon pink.

Happy Go Lucky: A brighter, lemon-colored yellow.

For Audrey: A classic shade that everybody always buzzes about.  It's a gorgeous minty-turquoise.

Sea Spray: A greyed-out blue.

Electric Beat: I think it is best described as a neon baby blue.  It's not super bright, but gorgeous on the nails.

*********************************************************************************

Hope y'all enjoyed it.  Leave me a comment and let me know what your favorite polish colors are for spring/summer.  Blog post coming soon about which ones in my collection I'm going to pull out for these next few summer months.

xoxo.  Laura

This probably wins for "best budget find" of the spring season this year.  I was looking for a bag that looked like I spent my savings on it, but still was very affordable.  I can't tell you how many hours I spent looking online, browsing through the mall, etc.  It all seemed like a lost cause until I found this......

OMG Styles. Large Charm Hobo Bag - $39 - The style I have is "Dove Brown"

It is all faux.  So no animals were harmed in the making of this bag.  It has a removable charm.  Magnetic closure PLUS a zipper (I thought was genius).  There are zipper compartments as well as open pockets on the inside.  The lining is also a fun print and it's large enough to hold my iPad plus everything else I think I need on a daily basis.

It comes in an array of colors & it's budget-friendly enough to purchase a couple different ones.

Dove Brown

Black

Brown

Navy Blue

Deep Red

Desert Orange

Green

Pewter Grey

Tan

White

Yellow

Hope you enjoyed it.  Be sure to check out my latest "what's in my purse" video where I feature this amazing bag.

Have a wonderful day!

L

Instead of doing a tip tuesday, I'm going to share with you my new holy grail foundation.  I was sold after watching a few youtube reviews.  I'm SO glad I made the purchase, and hope you will to!

You can find the Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation at Sephora for $38.  Pricy, I know, but it will last you a long time and it's foundation that is actually good for your skin!  :)

This foundation is not formulated with: parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs or triclosan

I'm not even sure what some of those are, but they don't sound healthy for your skin

THE GOOD:                                       THE BAD:

- Long wearing                                    - The price

- Oil Free                                             - Not a huge color range

- Waterproof

- Lightweight

- Full coverage

- Chemical-free formulation

- Blendable/natural looking

- Don't need a powder to set it

- Contains sunscreen

My Shade: Light-Medium

                                            BEFORE                                              AFTER

Other products used:

Rimmel Fix & Perfect Pro Primer 002

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser

Urban Decay Primer Potion

ELF Blush in Mellow Mauve

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Zero

Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara

NYX Lip Gloss in Sweetheart

Bottom Line: BUY IT!  Totally worth the $38 price tag!!  :)

Here it is again...time for more beauty deals!!  :)  Let me know if you guys like this format of me listing deals or if you would like something else.  

I've added a "double deal" category.  These are items that are on sale AND have some kind of reward attached to it.  Combine these offers with coupons to save yourself even more!  :)

CVS

DOUBLE DEALS

** = spend $30, get $10 CVS cash card (can mix and match)

- **Garnier (select products) $14
- **Garnier Skin Renew $10
- **L'oreal (select products) $12
- L'oreal Go 360 Clean $4.39...spend $30, get $10 ECB with any L'oreal skincare item
- L'oreal RevitaLift Clinical Repair $20...spend $30, get $10 ECB with any L'oreal skincare item
- Olay Facial Hair Removal Duo $22.99 + $2 ECB
- Olay Pro X Kit $64 + $7 ECB
- **Organix Body Lotion or Body Wash $5.99
- Suave Naturals 2/$6...spend $12, get $4 ECB

EXTRA BUCK DEALS

- Buy 2 Revlon, Nailene or Fing'rs Nails, get $5 ECB
- Cover Girl Face, Eye or Lip: spend $10, get $3 ECB
- Maybelline Eye or Lip: spend $10, get $3 ECB

ON SALE

- Jergens Natural Glow $7.99
- Olay Daily Facial Cleansing Cloths $3.99
- Physicians Formula 40% Off
- Select Olay Facial Products $11.49

BOGO 50% OFF

- Clean & Clear
- Sally Hansen
- Stridex
- Women's or Men's Designer Fragrances

**********************************************************************************

WALGREENS

DOUBLE DEALS

- Garnier Fructis 3/$15: Spend $15, get $5

REGISTER REWARD DEALS

- Suave: Spend $10, get $3 RR

BOGO 50% OFF

- Almay
- Aussie
- Aveeno
- Conair Hair Accessories
- Cover Girl
- Herbal Essences
- L'oreal Moisturizers & Treatments
- Maybelline Dream Lumi Concealer or Nude Air Foam
- Revlon Foundation, Concealer, Powder, Blush, Lip or Nail

**********************************************************************************

RITE AID

DOUBLE DEALS

- Aveeno: $2 off & spend $15, get $5 UP Reward (can combine with clean & clear)
- Clean & Clear $2 off & spend $15, get $5 UP Reward (can combine with aveeno)
- Kiss, Broadway and Impress Artificial nails: BOGO 50% off + spend $10, get $2 UP
- L'oreal: BOGO 50% off + Spend $25, get $10 UP
- Physicians Formula: BOGO 50% off + Spend $20, get $5

UP REWARDS

- Cover Girl: Buy $50 and get $25 with a $10 UP and a $15 gift card

ON SALE

- Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush & Concealer: $5.99

- Maybelline Dream Foundation: $8

BOGO 50% OFF

- All Lip Balm, Gloss & Stick (excludes Cover Girl , L'oreal and Physicians Formula)
- All Nail Enamel (excludes L'oreal and Essie)
- Olay Skin & Bath

I don't know about you, but my closet has got to the overwhelming point of just "too much". It seems that on a daily basis I will just stare at my full closet and decide that I "having nothing to wear". Even my boyfriend comments that I have too many things in my closet.  So now I have decided to start organizing.

I have begun the task of weeding out my clothes. I used to go through each item and think "I don't wear this anymore" and throw it into a donate pile. But then I decide that I will for some occasion need it and then... back in the closet it goes. It has been counter productive, because I end up getting rid of maybe one or two things.

I got this organization idea I'm going to show you from pinterest and it has worked SO well!! Its easy, free and no time is spent sorting! I have managed to scale down my closet so much... and you know what that means....more shopping to fill it back up! :)

Here's what you do:

1. Turn all your hangers around so they're hanging backwards on the rod.

2. When you wear something & wash it, hang it back up like you would normally.

3. Keep doing this for about 6 months. That way you will include clothes that you would wear in cold & warm weather.

4. After the 6 months is up, get rid of any hanger that has not been turned around! Chances are if you haven't worn it in 6 months, you probably aren't going to.

5. The only exceptions I make are for things that you do wear, but not on a daily basis. For example, fancy dresses, interview/business attire, sentimental items, etc. Use your own judgement. This technique is best suited for things you wear on a daily basis.

Happy spring cleaning! Leave me comments and let me know if this worked for you or not. I'd love to hear about it!

xoxo. Laura

Can't believe another week has flow by!  Here are the beauty deals and steals this week.  As always, look for coupons to use with cash back reward deals to maximize your savings.  I also alphabetized the listings to make searching for your favorite brand a little easier.

I highlighted the best of the best deals that I would probably buy, making choosing which deals to cash in on easier for you.

Not too much is going on this week.  Last week was, in my opinion, much better in terms of makeup sales.  It always comes in waves.  If one week ends up being kind of crappy, another week will be better.

CVS

EXTRA CARE BUCKS REWARDS

- Colgate Optic White Toothpaste $3.99 + $2 ECB

- Cover Girl Face, Eye or Lip: Spend $10, Get $3

- L'oreal: Spend $15, get $5 ECB

- Maybelline Eye or Lip: Spend $10, get $3

- Olay Total Effects Facial Care $18.99 + $2 ECB

- Rimmel: Spend $10, get $3 ECB

ON SALE

- Garnier Skin Renew $10
- Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Corrector $14
- Garnier Ultra-Lift $12
- L'oreal EverPure, EverStrong, EverSleek, EverCreme or EverStyle Hair Care $5.99

- L'oreal Sublime Mousse, Root Rescue or Healthy Look Color $5.99
- Perfecta Wash $15.99

- Revlon ColorSilk or Luminista $2.99

- Treseme Hair Care 2/$7

BOGO 50% OFF

- Aveeno Face, Body Wash or Lotion

- Conair or Scunci Hair Accessories

- Maybelline Foundation, Powder, Blush or Concealer

- Neutrogena Cosmetics or Skin Care

- Nuance by Salma Hayek Cosmetics, Hair, Body or Facial Care

- Organix or Fx Hair Care

- Physicians Formula Skin Care (NEW)

- Revlon Cosmetics or Beauty Tools

- Sammy, Psssssst! or PureShine Hair Care

- Simple Skin Care

WALGREENS

REGISTER REWARD DEALS

- Treseme Hair Care: 4/$15 + $5 RR

ON SALE

- Garnier Nutrisse Herbashine $4.99

- L'oreal Healthy Look or Root Rescue $5.99

- Neutrogena $5.99

- Revlon Color Silk $2.99

BOGO 50% OFF

- L'oreal 

- Maybelline

- Nexxus Hair Care

- Revlon Cosmetics or Beauty Tools

- Sally Hansen Nail Color, Beauty Tools and Lip Care

RITE AID

UP REWARDS

- Cover Girl: Spend $20, get $5 UP Reward

- Garnier Skin Care (BOGO 50%): Purchase 3, get $10 UP Reward

- L'oreal Revitalift or Youth Code: Spend $15, get $5 UP Reward

- Maybelline Cosmetics (BOGO 50%) Spend $10, get $3 UP Reward

- Olay Base Skin Care ($20.99): Purchase 1, get $2 UP reward

- Olay Pro X Skin Care: Spend $35, get $5 UP Reward

- Prestige Cosmetics (BOGO 50%): Spend $15, get $5 UP Reward

- Rimmel Cosmetics: Spend $15, get $5 UP reward

ON SALE

- Almay Foundation, Powder, Blush or Concealer 40% Off ($1 Rebate available, too)

- Cover Girl LashBlast 24 hr Mascara or Blast FlipStick Lip Stick $8.99

- Cover Girl Tone Rehab Makeup $14.99

- Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Foam Hair Color $7.99

- Garnier Shampoo/Conditioner $5.99

- L'oreal EverCare Hair or EverStyle or Root Rescue Hair Color $5.99

- L'oreal Facial Cleansers $4.39

BOGO 50%

- L'oreal Lip and Nail

- Neutrogena Skin, Sun & Bath Care

I took advantage of the Urban Decay Friends & Family sale which entitles you 20% off your entire order.  I scored some great deals on eyeliners, so I decided to stock up.  I got 7 eyeliners with two of them being full sized.  Without the F&F deal and had I bought them individually, I would have paid around $126.  With the discount as well as them being in a couple different "boxed/travel sets" I'm only out $44!!  :)  Saving myself around $82!!

Now onto swatches, because I know you all would rather see those instead of me rambling on about my deal savings.

*NEW* 24/7 Travel Size Eyeliners in NAKED - $32

Full Size 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Duo - ON SALE $12! (orig. $29)

I am mostly excited about Whiskey and Demolition because I hear such amazing things about them.  The color "Zero" for me wasn't as dark as I would have hoped.  I might just have to cave and buy Perversion, which is supposed to be their "blackest black" they have.

Sale ends March 10th, so make sure you get your order in before then!  :)

It's time to debut my "Tip Tuesday" Posts!!  These will be just little ideas that I use on a daily basis that hopefully you will find them helpful, too.

I wanted to share with you an affordable way to organize your fridge.  Places like bed bath and beyond sells these shelving units that are made specifically for refrigerator items.  The only problem with them is that they are so dang expensive!!  I have took it upon myself to find a cheaper alternative to turning the chaos of your fridge into something that is functional & visually appealing.

Behold...The plastic Target shoebox....

*These are that "Re" style brand found at Target stores

*They were only $5 for a pack of 5 (at the time, I'm not sure if they are still on sale right now)

*They're clear so you are able to see what's inside them.

*I like to organize mine by category.  There is fruit, veggies, meat, etc.  But get creative.  You can organize them however you want!  :)

*I kept the lids and put them in a storage closet.  I don't use them in the fridge bc I like having easy access to the foods.  Taking the lids on and off becomes kind of a hassle.

Aaaand here's the finished product!!  :)  I would have taken a picture of my entire fridge, but I'm in the process of cleaning it out and it looks a little messy.

Hope you got some ideas on how to organize your own fridge, closet, pantry or anything else that needs a little TLC.

xoxo Laura

I've decided to put together some of the best beauty deals of the week from CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens.  Now these are only the best of the best and there maybe other deals (I will list the not-so-good deals at the bottom).  Note: I am sticking to makeup/beauty items only that women generally use.  No household, men, grocery, etc. items will be mentioned.

**Now, remember, for these deals always google for coupons to knock the price down even more :)

RR = Register Rewards...like a store gift card you get back that you can use towards your next purchase
ECB = Extra Care Bucks...works the same way as Walgreens' RR
UP Rewards = works the same way

I think CVS wins for the best deals this week!!  :)

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WALGREENS

Register Reward Deals

- Clairol Nice N' Easy Hair Color: $7.99 + $1 in RR

- Soft Soap Body Wash: 2/$6 + $3 in RR

Walgreens Coupon Offers

- Wet n Wild Megalast Nail Polish:   $0.99 coupon in Walgreens circular (Limit 3)

- Studio 35 Polish Remover:              $0.99 coupon in Walgreens circular (Limit 3)

On Sale

- Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, Serum or Wrinkle Revolution: $21.99

- L'oreal Moisturizers and Treatments: 20% off

- John Frieda Hair Care: Sale $4.99

- Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Color: $5.99

- Sinful Colors Nail Polish: 2/$3

- Family Size Pantene, Herbal Essences or Aussie Shampoo/Conditioner: $5.99/ea.

- $10 off Select Fragrances

- Garnier Nutrisse Easy Foam Hair Color: $7.99

- John Frieda Precision Foam Hair Color: $11.99

BOGO 50% OFF

- L'oreal Foundation, Concealer, Primer, Blush or Foundation
- Almay
- Broadway or Kiss Nails, Eyelashes, Applications, Tools & Files
- Roc Retinol Correxion Skin Care
- Australian Gold Spray Gels and Lotions
- Jergens or select Biore Skin Care
- Cover Girl

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CVS

ECB DEALS

- All Revlon Nail Color: Sale $4.79 + $3 in ECB! = $1.79/ea! (Limit 6 per CVS card)

- Buy Any Revlon Eye or Lip: Get $4 ECB (Limit 6)

- Garnier Fructis Shampoo, Conditioner: Sale 3/$10 + $3 ECB

- Maybelline Eye or Lip: Spend $10, get $3 ECB

- L'oreal Skin Product: Spend $30, get $10 ECB

- Olay Body Wash: Sale $6.99 + $2 ECB

- Gillette Venus Pro Skin, Embrace or Breeze: Sale $9.99 + $5 ECB

- Olay Regenerist Kit or Treatment: Sale $23.99 + $3 ECB

- Olay Regenerist Facial Cre, Total Effects Tone or UV Moisturizer: Sale $20.99 + $2 ECB

- Cover Girl Face, Eye or Lip: Spend $10, get $3 ECB

ON SALE

- Physicians Formula: Save $4 with CVS card

- Women or Men's Designer Fragrances: Save $7 with CVS card

- Jennifer Aniston, Mary J. Blige Fragrances: Save $10 with CVS card

- Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Foam Hair Color: $7.99

- Lumene Time Freeze, Vitamin C+ or Sensitive Touch: $14.99

- All Wet n Wild Cosmetics: 30% off

- Jergens or Curel: $6.99

- Jergens Natural Glow: 2/$15

- Biore Cleanser, Scrub or Towlettes: 2/$14

- Cetaphil: Save $2 with CVS card

- Clairol Nice n Easy Color Blend Foam: $8.99

- Olay Facial Hair Remover Duo: $22.99

- Olay Daily Facial Cloths: $3.99

- Clairol Natural Instincts: $6.99

- Aussie or Herbal Essences: $2.99

- Olay Complete Defense or All Age Defying Anti-Wrinkle Creams: $12.99

- John Frieda Collection Hair Treatments: $7.99

- John Frieda Shampoo, Conditioner: $4.99

- John Frieda Precision Foam Color: $11.99

- Fekkai Hair Care: $19.99

- Conair Hair Dryer, Ceramic Straightener or Instant Heat Curling Iron (excludes Infiniti): $18.99

- All Treseme: 2/$7

- Garnier HerbaShine, or Nutrisse Hair Color: $5.99

- Revlon Color Silk Luminista: 2/$6

- Dove Shampoo/Conditioner: 2/$7

- Renpure Organics or Infusium 23: $4.99

- Garnier Fructis Family Size Shampoo/Conditioner: $4.99

- Revlon Root Erase: $3.79

- Aussie, Pantene, Herbal Essences Family Size Shampoo/Conditioner: $5.99

BOGO FREE

- Fat Foam Hair Color, Samy Shampoo/Conditioner

- Goody Hair Accessories

BOGO 50% OFF

- L'oreal Hair Color (excludes Root Rescue)

- L'oreal Hair Care (excludes Salon Professional Brands)

-All L'oreal Face, Eye or Lip Cosmetics

-All Essence of Beauty Bath and Accessories

-All Almay Cosmetics

-All Milani Cosmetics

- All Sally Hansen Cosmetics

- L'oreal Hair Color

- Conair, Scunci or Nexxus Hair Brushes or Hair Accessories

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RITE AID

UP REWARD DEALS

- Clairol Nice N Easy Color blend Foam: $9.99 + $1 UP Reward

- L'oreal Vive, Studio, Kids, Everstrong, or 

  Eversleek Hair Care, Excellence or Preference Color: Buy $15, get $5 UP Reward

- Biosilk, Tigi, Bedhead or Tigi Catwalk Hair Care: Spend $15, get $5 UP Reward

- All Maybelline Great Lash Mascara: $4 (buy 3 mascaras, get $3 UP Reward)

- Cetaphil: Spend $15, get $5 UP Reward

- Physicians Formula BOGO 50%: Buy 3 items, get $5 UP Reward

COUPONS FOUND IN THE CIRCULAR

- L'oreal Superior Preference: Save $2

- Prestige Cosmetics: Save $3

- Revlon Nail Color: Save $3

- Oxy, Phisoderm and Softlips: save $3

- Finesse Hair Care or Aquanet Hairspray: Save $2

- L'oreal Color Riche Lip: Save $3

- Sally Hansen Beauty Tools: Save $3

- L'oreal Sublime Mousse Hair Color: Save $4

- Sammy Shampoo, Conditioner or Stylers: Save $3

- ROC or NuPeptin Skin Care: Save $4

ON SALE

- Nutrisse or HerbaShine Color: $5.99

- Garnier Stylers: $3.33

- Garnier Shampoo/Conditioners: $2.99

- Curel Lotion, Biore Skin Care: $5.99

- Revlon Lip & Mascara: $4.99

BOGO FREE

- PureShine, Jhirmack or Renpure Hair Care

BOGO 50% OFF

- Cover Girl

- Olay Skin and Bath

- L'oreal Skin Care & Sunless (Spend $30, get $10 UP Reward)

- c. booth Derma, DermaSilk, eclos, Vita-K or Yes To Skin Care

- NYC

- Almay

- Jergens Skin Care

- L'oreal Foundation, Powder, Concealer, Blush or Bronzer

- Maybelline Eye Shadow & Eye Liners

- Eucerin or Aquaphor Skin Care

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If you guys have any questions, let me know...otherwise Best of luck with your shopping!  :)

xoxo. Laura

Long time no post!!!  Sorry guys but I've been extreeeeemly busy as of lately.  I started a new job (which has taken up the majority of my time).  I've been getting more hours as a nanny, both Liam and I have started working out for 45 mins 6 days a week, we're kind of re-decorating the house and there has been talk in the air about adopting a dog!  :D  So, with all that said, blogging and youtube has been placed on the back burner until now.

I feel like I've kind of "re-organized" my life a bit and I feel like I'm ready to start fresh!!  :)

SO with all that out of the way, here are some things I picked up at Target tonight.  Nothing big, but thought it would be fun to show you what I got.

So first I picked up a basic black boyfriend-style t-shirt.  I was in my closet this morning and wondering why I didn't have just a plain black shirt??  Best part...it was on sale for $5!  :)

Second I got some Up&Up Target brand makeup remover wipes.  I used to be obsessed with the ones from ELF and wanted to try something different.  I've used one already and they out-do the ELF ones by a long shot.  They're so soft and moist.  Your skin will feel like you washed your face (even though you really didn't!) 

Third, I picked up another ELF eyelash curler for $1.  I lost my other one and I've been working with curl-less eyelashes for awhile now.

I got some of my favorite gum, because you never know when you're going to need it!

Last....this is my favorite find!......($6.99)

It's a little clutch-wallet type thing.  I've been looking for one of these things for awhile.  It's a pain to have to lug around your purse to grab groceries or to go to the gym.  This is going to be my little grab-and-go thing that I'll stash in my purse.

It has two pockets on either side.  In the picture above, this is just an open pocket that closes magnetically.  It is big enough for an iPhone.  You could also store lipgloss, gum, etc.

Then on the other side, you can store a few cards & your license.  Right behind the card holders is an opening where you could put extra cash if you need. 

The floral print is SO cute for springtime and I'm very excited to start using it!  :)

Hope y'all are doing well and I'll talk to you very soon!

xoxo. Laura

This is the second and final post about my new nail polish shades.  Like I said in the previous post, I have an ever-growing collection that is getting a tad out of control.  :)  All of the nail polishes were not purchased all at one time.  They were purchased over a period of a few months.  Plus I usually never buy anything at full price.  They were BOGO 50% off and I had coupons.  So that is how I ended up with so many.  Plus Revlon nail colors are usually inexpensive.

I'll start this haul with the new colors in their collection.

Colors from Left to Right are:

Flirt - A cool bubblegum pink. I'm obsessed with this one.  I find myself reaching for it again and again.

Naughty - A cool purple-grey with a duo chrome of pink.  So purdy!  ;)

Aloof - Your standard white.  This formula helps you achieve full opacity with just two coats.  And it has a taaaad bit of silver shimmer to it.  This is the perfect winter color.

Dreamer - A creamy sky blue.  Not much more to it.  I can't WAIT to try this color out.

Chic - A blue-grey that is just.....so.....Chic!

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Now onto the couple colors I bought, but aren't in their new collection.  I guess I was in a springtime/easter mood when I bought these.  haha.

Sunshine Sparkle - This yellow just looked soo nice in the container.  I'm not sure how the opacity or formula is, but it just looked perfect for springtime.  It doesn't have noticeable chunky glitters to it, but it does have a very slight shimmery silver tone to it.  Plus I don't have a yellow in my collection.

Minted - A soft-mint green.  No glitter or shimmer.  Just creamy and gorgeous! 

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I invite you all to click the links in the right hand corner and join me on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.  :)  I'd love to chat with y'all!

Much love, hugs and new nail polish colors!

xoxo   Laura