My New Foundation Routine: Initial Feelings

Hi friends! I know I was supposed to update you all the next day after the big foundation test (the summer outdoor children's party in Alabama heat) but I believe I still may be recovering from that! LOL I have continued basically the same foundation routine the remainder of the week and today I was not planning on going anywhere so I have slapped on my Philosophy "Take A Deep Breath" and am using this opportunity to clean my brushes and sponge.

So here's my thoughts about the different products I have used this week each day:

1.  Philosophy "Take A Deep Breath" (sample received as part of my $10 June Glam Bag Subscription) : I am very pleased with this product. It doesn't seem to really help with any redness I have (Although I've seen they do have a moisturizer to help with that and will probably try that next.) however, this gel-like moisturizer has a lovely cooling feel when you apply it and does not feel greasy at all to me. The little sample sized tube has been wonderful and with using I would say a double pea-size amount each time has lasted me about 10 uses and maybe has 1 or 2 left in there. I will give my final review and decision to repurchase when it's completely empty!

2. Hard Candy Sheer Envy Primer: Ultra Light Formula ($8 - Walmart): This is another product I am very pleased with so far! I will start by saying the one thing I would change about this product is that it feels EXTREMELY greasy when it goes on and frankly I was really worried about that making me break out (which is not normal for me) or increasing my redness. I wish they could change this initial feeling because I think it could scare some people off but when the product dries it leaves your skin as silky and smooth as a newborn baby's bottom!! LOL There is no feeling of greasiness when it dries at all and it really does make a nice smooth layer for you to apply your color cosmetics on top of. This product is white in color and is clear when you spread it so this product would not be used to help conceal anything, just help make a smooth surface. I had hoped that whatever primer I chose would help to conceal my redness without having to use an actual concealer so again, this is another product that I have not decided yet if I will repurchase and will give a final review and decision to repurchase when it's completely empty. 

3. Revlon Colorstay Makeup in #250 Fresh Beige for Oily/Combination skin ($9.99 - Target): This product has lived up to ALL expectations to me thus far AND lived up to it's name for me. I already have serious issues with facial sweating when it's not 100 degrees out in Alabama, but now that it is actually that, I have an even greater need for a long-wearing foundation through the heat and sweating. When I bought it I was not sure about the color and I also didn't realize I had picked up the one for Oily/Combination skin and I have dry skin. I have been very pleased with the color choice for me, I usually have to pick the lightest shade of foundation as I am fair skin and I tend to avoid the sun as much as possible during summer months but this color, a couple shades away from the lightest, seems to suit me well and looks natural when blending down the neck. Also, I was afraid the Oily/Combination product would be bad with my dry skin and hasn't been too bad thus far. My dry patches haven't gotten worse, but that being said, I do not think this type of foundation is helping to make those patches less dry either. My plan is to go ahead and work on finishing out this bottle and to keep an eye out for Revlon sales and my Revlon coupons and see if I can't pick up one pretty cheap for dry skin. As far as coverage, I would say this is a medium to heavy coverage foundation. When using a blending sponge to apply (thoughts on that coming next) you really do have the option to control the coverage more than say using your fingers or brushes (in my experience) to apply. I consistently went over each area and then would go back again to my reddest of areas. I found that 95% of the time my redness was well covered. As posted in #2, I will probably be on the search for a concealer in the next week  or so that is light and can be of help to me just during days I really need it. 

4. Sonya Kashuk Blending Sponge ($10.49 - Target): This product has been fabulous for me. In my opinion, this product, blends well, holds well in the hand while applying, is able to be used on all areas of the face thanks to the different sized ends, helps you control your coverage and rinses out well daily. I had previously seen several reviews where the reviewers had trouble rinsing our their sponge, but I have not encountered that. I am about to do a full washing with some foaming face wash so will let you know next review how well that works out. I have used the same process every day with this sponge to get the results I've had. I get the sponge wet under the faucet and I squeeze out really well until you can't really tell if it's wet or dry. I then put a dime size amount of foundation on the back of my hand, I dab the sponge in the foundation and then I use a light stippling motion all over my face. I truly feel like this product helps me to achieve an even application and airbrush-like finish. This will be my LAST review on this product until it comes time to replace it to let you all know how long it lasted for me. As stated in my last blog, I currently have no intention of trying the Beauty Blender (the pink, egg-shaped one). FABULOUS PRODUCT!!!

5. Mary Kay Loose Powder in Ivory #1 ($14.00  - Local Mary Kay Rep): This will be my last thoughts on this product until the winter months as I have made the decision to put this product away until the weather gets cooler. When I wore this product the other day out in the heat, once I did start sweating quite a bit, the powder did start to clump up again (not pretty). I spent 90% of the time at the party blotting my face. Since that day I have chosen to go without the powder and I have not experienced that again. As I stated before, I did really enjoy the powder when I wasn't sweating so bad, so I will give it another go when it gets cooler out. 

And that's it folks! I have been pretty pleased as well with the wear of my eye makeup, but I do think I will go back to using the Tarte Eyelid Primer that I was using when the True Blood palette came out. It really helped with any creasing and the over all look and wear of eye products. As usual, the STAR of all my face products HAS to be the Tarte Eyelash Primer and Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara! I will never go back to anything else! I am a very emotional person and that mascara has held up though everything... Tears, Sweating, and even unintentionally rubbing my eyes after a long day. FABULOUS PRODUCT TARTE!!!

If anyone has any questions, let me know! :)

ISO: A New Foundation Routine

For a while now I have been in search of a new foundation routine. Before it started to get really hot I was enjoying the light Tinted Moisturizer from Mary Kay and if I wanted a little extra coverage, I would top it with the loose powder from Mary Kay. Then I started noticing that the warmer it was getting outside, the more I began to break out. In addition to that, I always have issues with facial sweating but in the Alabama heat, it's about 100 times worse than in the winter months. One Sunday I was HORRIFIED. I applied my tinted moisturizer and powder as normal and went off to church. There was an issue that day with the A/C coming on in the room that I lead children's worship in but I just did the best I could with it. After worship, I went into the bathroom and the moisturizer was literally STREAKS running down my face and the powder was all clumping up and I thought at that moment I could not continue to go on like that throughout the summer months, especially singing and dancing around with kids each week!

So, I set out on a hunt for something new. I am not one for immediately jumping to high end products without trying more affordable ones first, especially ones I know I can get coupons for! I began watching videos and reading blogs from other people who have tried and reviewed different primers, foundations and powders. I also sat down and watched some people's foundation routines on You Tube just to see what others are doing and why they are doing it. I figured I might be able to come across someone who has some of the same concerns that I do! I then made some notes about ones I might want to try and set out to the makeup section in Target the last time I was there. 

I decided to start with a Sonya Kashuk Blending Sponge and the Revlon Colorstay Foundation (I also purchased Revlon Airbrush foundation but have not tried it on my face. I was not really turned on by the one swatch I did, so I haven't gone there yet.) I couldn't, however, find any primer that I was interested in trying. I did see several rave reviews about Elf's primer but since I haven't had luck with any other Elf products I've tried, I figured that wasn't a good place to start for me. I ended up purchasing a Hard Candy primer the next day when I went to Walmart. 

*One point I want to make about my decision to purchase the Sonya Kashuk blending sponge is that I was rather humored by the reviews I found on beauty blenders on You Tube. Now, for those of you that are familiar with the different beauty blenders you know that they are special sponges, varying in shape and size, that are used damp to apply your face products for a more "air brushed" finish. Also, if you don't already know, you need to know that the Sonya Kashuk sponge is $10 LESS than the pink, egg-shaped, beauty blender. Here is where the humor comes in: I would find several reviews from people RAVING about the SK sponge. They would give an awesome review, show proof of the product with before and after pictures, and go on about how they wouldn't go back now that they had it. Then, you would find a later video where they would state that they keep seeing videos from other people about this pink TWENTY DOLLAR (YIKES!) sponge and they just HAVE to try it. <Blank stare inserted here.> Are people so desperate for perfection that the things they once thought were perfect aren't perfect enough any more?? Anyway, they would buy the pink ones, fall in love and never go back to the SK one. <Rant completed. Sorry.>*

Unless my SK sponge causes me some kind of mental agony... I officially have NO intention of purchasing a beauty blender (A $20 sponge.) with my own hard-earned money. 

Today I decided to give all 3 products a try. I am very very pleased with the coverage, wear and ease of application of ALL products I used this morning! This is the first time EVER that I have ZERO complaints! I am on my way headed out to an outside-in-alabama-heat birthday party and am looking forward to seeing how it holds up chasing the kids around in this nonsense we call weather here! LOL So here is my face of the day along with all the products I used. I will be letting you all know tomorrow how it held up outside and I intend on giving a final opinion review in a couple weeks!!

Moisturizer: Philosophy "Take A Deep Breath" (sample received as part of my $10 June Glam Bag Subscription)

Primer: Hard Candy Sheer Envy Primer: Ultra Light Formula ($8 - Walmart)

Foundation: Revlon Colorstay Makeup in #250 Fresh Beige for Oily/Combination skin ($9.99 - Target) applied with Sonya Kashuk Blending Sponge ($10.49 - Target)

Powder: Mary Kay Loose Powder in Ivory #1 ($14.00  - Local Mary Kay Rep)

Eyes: NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk ($4.49 - Ulta), Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips in Illuminating Black (From the Trio for Hazel Eyes - $9.49 - Walmart), Covergirl Eye Enhancers in #710 Champagne- $3.39 at CVS), Mary Kay Mineral Eye colors in Espresso and Lavender Fog ($6.49 each - Local Mary Kay Rep), Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara (Part of the realEYES Natural Smokey Eye set from Ulta for $32 - $19.99 separately at Ulta), Tarte multiplEYE Lash Primer (Part of the realEYES Natural Smokey Eye set from Ulta for $32 - $22.00 separately at Ulta)

Lips: Mary Kay Lipstick in Raisinberry (My ABSOLUTE fav lipstick ever!!) ($13.00 - Local Mary Kay Rep)

*All products were purchased on my own unless otherwise noted. Some products, such as the Cover Girl Eye Shadow, were free or highly discounted due to couponing efforts on my part. If you would like any information on how I use coupons in my purchase of makeup, please let me know in the comments and I will be happy to post about that!*


*Please remember all opinions expressed above are my own and of my own experiences.*

A Gift From God: Part 1

WOW did this blog start a different way! I just spent the last hour writing things I thought were from the spirit and realized I was being led more by human emotion rather than spiritual guidance. I also realized I had so many thoughts going at the same time, I was not doing any of it justice by rushing through them and not giving them my heart. So, I decided to do this in parts, as I feel so moved, and this first part is touching on what I just felt... Giving God your full heart. 

God has given each of us special gifts and what is so magnificent about our Lord is His awe-inspiring handiwork by making each of us so different, including those gifts.

I'm sure we've all had times in our lives where an occasion has presented itself in which we find it appropriate to present someone else with a present, or gift. Usually that occasion is marked as "special" by some kind of event whether that is a birthday, graduation, anniversary, wedding, or other. Depending on the person and/or situation, we tend to put more or less effort in our decision making of a gift. Now, I am not at ALL talking about monetary value with these gifts, I am speaking of the heart behind it. I mean let's be honest, if gift giving was about money, God would have made us all filthy rich!... AMEN?! If we are really close with a person or if an event is close to our hearts, we tend to put much more thought behind our gifts than if that were not the case. 

With all that in mind, remember that God created us. I don't, for one second, believe that when He creates a person, that God just passes gifts out randomly as if we are strangers lined up on a conveyor belt. I believe that just as God chooses to give each of us life, He gives each of us very special and personal gifts. There is nothing random about these gifts. These gifts are meant to bless your lives, bless the lives of others, and most importantly: guide you on your path to a full and glorious relationship with His son, Jesus Christ. (Hopefully, I will get the opportunity to write more on my thoughts about that later!) Think about it. With the complex nature of the universe, to me the mere thought that God would be careless or disorganized in his issuing of gifts is an absolutely ridiculous thought.

Now, with all that being said about God's gifts to us, think for a moment about how you are giving gifts or honor back to Him. As imperfect humans we cannot even begin to touch the perfection of our God, but there is definitely something to be said for putting your WHOLE heart behind our gifts back to Him. If we were to give a gift to the person we are closest to here on earth, I would venture to say that person would be much more moved by a meaningful gift, with thought and love behind it, in a box that is almost too small for the gift, with uneven wrapping paper. The effort and love you put behind that gift will leave them blind to any imperfect wrapping. If you chose a random gift that meant nothing to you or the other person, it doesn't matter what you wrap it in... it doesn't feel good when it's opened, especially since it's supposed to be coming from someone close to you. It can feel empty. 

Are you giving empty gifts to God in what others may see as beautiful wrapping paper? The funny thing about this, is that God sees the insides, the core, of your gifts without even having to unwrap it. God sees through your fancy wrapping paper. God wants gifts that are full of your heart. He wants gifts that are prayerful and thoughtful no matter how it looks to others. What happened to faith? If we put our trust and faith in Him and devote time, prayer and preparation to our gifts to Him, God will see your faith and those gifts will SHINE and be more beautiful than anything that was just thrown together with haste and human arrogance. Maybe not immediately, but eventually, these empty gifts you are presenting to the Creator of the universe, and presenting to others on behalf of Him, will leave you feeling spiritually empty yourself. 

"...For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7

**Edited to clarify my use of the word "gift". When I use this word I am referring to anything we GIVE to God whether that be prayer, sacrifice, or service.**

Home Sick

Lately, I've been feeling home-sick. Oh, how I've been longing to wake up to the sound of sea gulls, step outside and smell the Atlantic Ocean Air and go on about my day in a place where so much seems possible in just a day's time. Growing up in Southeastern Connecticut really set a high standard for me as far as places to live. I love the people, the atmosphere, and the "small town" feel while NYC and Boston are a mere 2 hours away. I miss fresh, right-off-the-boat seafood dishes eaten outside in the brisk Connecticut air. 

Where I grew up, in Groton, Connecticut, there were so many local gems full of history, education and fun. Within 15 minutes time, you can do so many things! You can be on a boat the Sound, as seen in the picture above, helping to count seals for our local Project Oceanology while viewing picturesque New England from the water. You can take a short ride over to historic Mystic, Connecticut by water or road and remain busy for days. Visit Mystic Pizza, the inspiration to that classic Julia Roberts movie. Have a cup of the creamiest ice cream at Mystic Drawbridge. Learn all about whaling and a life on the sea at Mystic Seaport. Sample and take home THE BEST fudge on the planet at Franklin's General Store in Mystic Village. Get up close and personal with a friendly beluga whale at the Mystic Aquarium!

I honestly could go on forever. Head to Niantic to the Children's Museum. Take a ride to New London and enjoy Ocean Beach for the day but make sure you hit Fred Shanty's on your way home for some awesome eats! Take a trip back in time to meet with some dinosaurs at The Dinosaur Place in Oakdale. Feeling Lucky? Head to Mohegan Sun Casino in Montville or Foxwoods out past Ledyard for gaming, food, and amazing shows. One of MY favorite headliners is Jim Spinnato and not just because he's my cousin! He's a hilarious Comedic Hypnotist that you'll want to see time and time again!

Don't want to leave Groton? That's just fine! Here are my favorite spots: Eastern Point Beach, The USS Nautilus Museum, Fort Griswold, Avery Point, Paul's Pasta, Bluff Point, Washington Park, Project Oceanology, and Sutton Park. 

As you can see, there are so many reasons why I love Connecticut and miss it so much. I currently reside in Opelika, Alabama ... another town with tremendous history ... and although I love it here, it doesn't feel like "home". I recommend to all of my friends here in Alabama to one day take a trip to the North East, specifically beautiful Connecticut.

If you'd love to take a trip up there but would appreciate some help with travel costs... head over to "bebehblog" to enter her contest to win $1000 toward your vacation!! Go to http://bebehblog.com/connecticut-as-much-fun-as-you-can-fit-in-one-weekend/ and be sure to enter today! I'll be heading back up to Connecticut in November of 2012 and I hope to see you there!

--Yours -- Jessica --

I've Got That Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy...

... down in my heart! Where? Down in my heart. Where?

DOWN IN MY HEART!!

This was one of my favorite songs as I was growing up in the Children's Choir at Sacred Heart Church in Groton, Connecticut. I remember singing it for the first time when I made my First Holy Communion in the second grade. I just thought it was such a lively, happy song... a song that truly made you feel happiness. I never imagined back then, that the song (or at least the words of it) would have such tremendous meaning to me so many years later. 

Recently, as I've had to deal with so many different trials, specifically with my health, and I have begun to encounter a certain type of person. I suppose I've always known people like that but they just seem so much more visible to me lately. You know... They pat you on the shoulder, or send you a message hiding behind their Cloak of Christianity saying, "Oh I'm so sorry. I'll pray for you." only to find out later that their idea of praying is whispering behind your back later about how you don't really look sick at all so you must be exaggerating. Let me give you the bottom line first. I KNOW what I feel and am going through and GOD KNOWS what I feel and am going through and that is all that matters. It doesn't stop the sting of hateful words, but it does allow you to keep a level head and heart about how you are feeling.

Do I have days and moments that I cannot bare to get out of bed or leave my house? Yes. For the most part, however, each day I get up no matter how I'm feeling and I put on my happy face and get out to tackle the things I need to get done. I normally experience some type of pain and exhaustion while I am out, but know that I must do the things that need to be done. It's a daily choice. When you ask me how I'm doing and I don't give you a negative answer, that just means that as far as God and I are concerned, WE are ok with where I'm at. Then, when I get home, God and I share our thoughts (and a lot of my tears) and we move on to the next day.

This past Wednesday was one of those other days. I did not want to do anything. I was exhausted between all the recent medication changes and fighting so many fevers off and on and running the 4 children to and from their activities. Then came time for choir rehearsal. I did not want to go and really felt like I did not need to add something else to the day, but something kept nagging at me. I can't really describe it. I just had a nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach. So... far be it for me to ignore that feeling... and off I went to choir practice. 

I wasn't there for long before I realized it was God that was nagging me. Before we got into rehearsal, our choir director had announced to anyone that didn't know already that Mrs. Anne had been put in charge of our weekly devotionals before practice. (I just love Mrs. Anne, my fellow Alto/2nd Soprano who makes me pretty embroidered towels.) So she came up and said a few words about devotionals and then went into her's for the current week. It was about JOY. Not just joy but also the difference between happiness and joy.  Happiness comes from circumstantial things... JOY comes from the heart. With every word she spoke about joy, that nagging got stronger in the pit of my stomach. It was God saying, LISTEN. So I listened intently and  began to cry hoping that no one would notice. When she finished the reading and began to pray with us, I used that time to wipe away my tears in quiet Thanksgiving to the Lord for giving me exactly what I needed (Doesn't He always???!) and when she took her seat next to mine I hugged her and said, Thank You. I don't think she realizes just how God worked through her that night. 

God helped Mrs. Anne to remind me that what is important is that people feel the JOY that comes from my heart. I may dislike my circumstances, especially my health, but joy is not about physical well-being. Joy is about spiritual well-being. Joy is a way of life and a way of thinking and feeling and acting. JOY is what enables me to get out and do what needs to be done despite Satan trying to get in my way. I know God has filled my heart with this joy because He has got a bigger plan for my life than I could even imagine. It's then MY job to wake up each day, grab onto that joy with all my might and say, "Ok God... Where YOU lead, I will follow." If you've got JOY in your heart, don't waste it. If you don't, please know that I am praying for each and every one of you who is reading this blog. One day, when you are ready and open for it, you will find that joy from God too!

--Yours--Jessica--

James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Berry Muffin Recipe

**This recipe was inspired by the Berry Surprise Muffin recipe that came from the Recipes For Healthy Living Cookbook that I received along with my Jack LaLanne Power Juicer. **

Before I post the recipe, I just want to say thanks to everyone who had given me such positive feedback from my last blog post. I appreciate all your love and prayers so much.

Ingredients:

2 cups whole grain flour (I used whole wheat)

2/3 cup honey (I used local honey from here in Opelika, AL)

3 tsp baking powder

1 tsp grated lemon or orange peel ( I used orange)

1/2 C. orange juice

2 egg whites (I used organic large brown eggs)

3/4c blueberries ( I think I used closer to 1 cup)

3/4c berry pulp (The original recipe suggests raspberry. I used a combination of strawberries & blackberries)

1/4c berry juice (The original recipe again suggests raspberry.)

1/4c canola oil (The original recipe says to add oil in the instructions but fails to list it in the ingredients. I think this is just a printing error. I just guessed as to amount and the 1/4c seems to work fine although you may even be able to leave it out.)

Non-Stick Spray (I used Olive Oil Spray)

Preheat oven to 400° F. Mixture 1: Combine whole-grain flour, honey, baking powder, and lemon or orange peel. Mix thoroughly. Mixture 2: Combine orange juice, canola oil, egg whites, berry juice and berry pulp. Mix thoroughly. Combine mixture 1 and 2 together. Gently stir in fresh blueberries. Grease muffin pan and fill muffin pan. (These muffins do not rise a whole lot so I fill the muffin pan right to the top!)

Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes.

**My juicing process:

For this recipe, I juiced all berries then I put 3/4c pulp that was extracted into my Mixture 1 bowl and 1/2c of the juice into my Mixture 2 bowl. I then rinsed all my juicer parts and put the juicer back together. I then took 1 orange and grated the peel on my micro-plane over my Mixture 1 bowl. I peeled the orange and placed it in the juicer which then provided me with the 1/2C orange juice needed for my Mixture 2 bowl. *Just a note that this recipe makes much more juice than is needed to get the pulp needed if you are juicing to make the muffins. Just put your extra berry and orange juice over some ice like I did, and enjoy!*

*A note from Jessica's Kitchen: As some of you may know, blackberries are quite "seedy" and those seeds are much tougher at times than that of raspberries and strawberries. Those seeds make a little "crunch" in the muffin which seems to be ok by most of those that have tried these muffins but I also know that some people are put off by that. If you are one of those people, I would suggest going with just strawberries or raspberries or a combination of both. To me it's no different than if there are nuts in a recipe, but then some people don't like those either! HAHA! It's all personal taste... just adjust the recipe to your taste!*

--Yours--Jessica--

From Tooth Extraction to Muffins

Happy Tuesday!

I know the title of this blog probably got some really odd looks, but I promise by the end of this blog it will all make sense.

Last Wednesday I went in for scheduled surgery. It wasn't anything that would be a major thing for most people, but for me I cannot even begin to describe to you my feelings. I have bad teeth. There... I said it. Not that most people who have had an in person conversation with me haven't noticed, but it's just not something I talk about. It has been 31 years of mistakes and circumstances that have led them to become as bad as they got; some of those mistakes being my fault... some not. I'm not going to get into all those things here. Believe me, I do enough going over them in my own head! So, in recent months my Fibromyalgia was flaring up more than normal, and I had been fighting fevers and different infections. I read an article that basically broke down how your oral health has such a hold on the health of the rest of your body and I just knew it was time. 

I went to the dentist and then an oral surgeon because 2 of my teeth were badly broken and infected. There was no doubt in my mind that they needed to come out immediately just because I felt so awful. The surgery went amazing, probably THE best dental experience I've ever had. In the midst of my appointment, some issues with my jaw arose. My jaw has clicked and bothered me for years, gradually getting worse the more I sang, spoke, ate, etc, but I never did anything about it. Like I told the surgeon, when you don't have medical insurance, you don't go to the doctor unless you are on your death bed... you just don't. So the longer my jaw  has gone untreated and abused, the worse the pain has gotten. 

He said we would start off conservatively. I would try a muscle relaxer for thirty days and go on a no chew/soft food diet for 6 months. Um.... WHAT? As this came up before my surgery, I wondered if he didn't slip me the anesthesia already. To someone who grew up in an Italian family, no chew translates to no kind of appropriate life at all! HA! I could hear my grandparents now gasping up in heaven. I didn't have much time to process it before I was off in the land of Oz chasing Toto around with Dorothy. When I started really coming to in the car on the way home it hit me like a ton of bricks. NO CHEW????

I went home and prayed. I knew this was the time to really lean on God. I was in pain physically and emotionally. I know that might sound really silly to some of you, but you have no idea the kind of attachment, borderline addiction, I have to food. Ok... some of you know. 

This was the first time in a LONG time I heard the voice of God. Actually, I don't believe I've ever heard Him this loudly. I could actually imagine Him holding me in His arms. He said, "My child, you are ok. You are showered in my love and protection. For so long I have been telling you it's time to change. I have said to enjoy food, but not in that quantity. I have said to enjoy food, but focus on foods that come naturally from me. You have not listened to all the signs, the deteriorating health. Your body is a temple and you're destroying it. I have blessed you with a purpose, and that purpose must be fulfilled. It's time to change."

I got the message. I got the message loud and clear. Since my surgery, I have completely changed my eating. I am following what God and one of His servants (my surgeons) have told me to do. Now, I'm not perfect by any means at all. But I am making a HUGE change and effort and I believe God sees that. 

I realize I have written a lot and not even gotten to the muffins yet! HA! So one of the steps I have taken toward a healthier diet is that I have purchased a juicer. I am now a HUGE fan of juicing even after just a few days. I can see it now... I will be the proud owner of an "I HEART Juicing!" bumper sticker before you know it! However, this posed a huge problem for me. I am a couponer at heart and enjoy the thrill of saving money. When I first thought of juicing all I kept thinking about were all the parts of the fruit that were about to go in the trash. Luckily, the juicer I purchased (The Jack LaLanne Power Juicer... yes the one seen on TV) came with a wonderful cookbook that showed a ton of recipes in which you could use not only the juices, but the pulp! OH HAPPY DAY!

Some of the recipes that kept catching my eye were the muffin recipes. They intrigued me. Not just because they looked so yummy, but because I realized I had never made "from scratch" muffins in my life! I've doctored a few boxed mixes before, but never started with my own ingredients. So, I realized it was time to make my OWN muffins, and not just any muffins, but muffins that are healthy. I went to the store and bought my ingredients... not a boxed mix. I came home, juiced, doctored the recipe to my taste by even using my favorite fresh local honey, and made some amazing berry muffins. Let me rephrase that. I made some amazing HEALTHY muffins from SCRATCH. Now I can't really eat a whole muffin (Because I'm not chewing, remember?), but I did have a small bite that I could easily mash without chewing and they are really fantastic. And the biggest treat? I got to enjoy some awesome, fresh, blackberry/strawberry juice when I was finished.

This is just the beginning. It's amazing what God can do.

--Yours -- Jessica--

Product Review: NYX Crimson Amulet Collection

... Inspired by the movie: Dark Shadows ...

I had no idea what this movie was when I bought this beautiful palette by NYX so I was purely going of the fact that I had bought the True Blood palette by Tarte last year and ended up loving it. So far I am 2 for 2 buying palettes inspired by something in Hollywood! 

I purchased this kit from my local Ulta store for $24.99. Now considering my Tarte for True Blood palette was considerably higher priced than this, I honestly didn't expect much. This palette, however, has turned me into an NYX fan for life! (In addition to this palette, I also purchased 4 more NYX products that day, all 4 of which I'm pleased with as well!) The pictures above show the palette from the front and back. It has a magnet snap closure which is strong so it stays together really well. 

When you open the palette, it has 2 sections. The first section is shown above with 24 very pigmented eye shadows, 4 eye shadow applicators and on the right, a mirror. For the following photos, I will show swatches of the eye shadows going row by row from left to right, top to bottom.

Row 1: This row consists of a matte black, a satin finish cream/flesh color, a purple shimmer and a satin finish almost "burnt orange" color, or copper. 

Row 2: This row consists of a shimmer finish lilac color, a matte sage green, a satin finish cream color (this is a tad bit darker than the satin cream in row 1 and is less pink in tone), and a shimmer navy color.

Row 3: This row consists of  a very light shimmered royal blue, a shimmery forest green, a shimmery chocolate brown, and a satin finish warm purple color.

Row 4: This row consists of your base neutral/highlight colors. First is a matte cream color, then a matte light brown/taupe, then a matte taupe/even lighter brown, and a satin finish egg shell white.

 Row 5: This row consists of a light brown with a very light satin finish, a matte dark brown, a satin finish light pink, and a matte charcoal gray. 

Row 6: This row consists of a satin finish pink/light lilac, a satin finish taupe, a shimmer brown and a satin finish light yellow/gold.

With all of the above polishes, I've gotten the best results when using an eyelid primer. Another great surprise is that I have experienced very little fall out so it's nice to finish your eye makeup without having a huge mess to clean up on the rest of your face. Luckily the palette name isn't literal! HAHA!

Now, we turn the "page" to view the rest of the palette. On the left, they give you an example of 3 looks from the movie from Josette, Dr. Hoffman and Angelique. The looks are described but there is no instruction like there was in the True Blood palette by Tarte. On one hand, I appreciate when instructions are included because I like to be able to recreate looks exactly as they were in the move. On the other hand, I think by NOT including instructions, NYX has inspired me to become creative... I feel free to create any look and not just included ones. 

First up in this part of the palette are the HD High Definition Shadow Base and the NYX Liquid Eyeliner that are included with your palette. On the right, I have swatched both of them for you with the base on the top and the eyeliner on the bottom. 

Typically I do not like a liquid liner, just because I have a hard time having a steady enough hand to use a liquid liner when the line is so harsh. I have found, however, that I enjoy putting the liner on and smudging it a little with a precision brush. I love the smoky look it creates. 

I LOVE the shadow base! It is very creamy and has a moisturizing feel which is great because for me, my eye area tends to get very dry. I also can testify to the long lasting quality of this base. My shadows have lasted for hours which is great as a busy mom because I just don't have time to stop and touch up my makeup with 4 kids running around! 

Next up is the highlight and blushes. Here I have swatched the highlight on the top followed by all 5 blushes from top to bottom. 

The highlight is a decent product. I'm not really accustomed to using highlights on a regular basis, but I do really like this one on the bridge of my nose and on my cupid's bow to help my lips look fuller. 

I also am not one to apply blush on a regular basis because my face naturally has a "blushed" look and often times will still show through what ever foundation I am using. The blushes included in this kit, however, are very pretty. First you have a matte pink/peach blush. Next you have a much more vivid color in almost a raspberry pink matte. Then you have a shimmery peach color, followed by a pink shimmer. The largest of the blushes is at the bottom and that is a light almost mauve pink. 

Lastly, we have 4 lip gloss products which are really more pigmented than I expected making them almost like lipsticks. From left to right we have almost a neutral light mauve color. Then we have a very bright blue-toned pink. Next is a very true light pink color. Finally we come to a color I expected to be more red, is actually a hot raspberry pink color. 

So... That's it for the collection! I have a few looks that I have enjoyed doing with this palette so I will try to get those done and posted for you as soon as I can! If you have any questions about this palette that I have not answered here, please let me know!

--Yours-- Jessica

Julep Maven Subscription - May 2012 Box

Happy Friday everyone! I'm starting this blog with a review of my May Box from my Julep Maven Subscription. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this service so please check out the link to the left if you are interested and you can get your first month for just a penny! What comes in a Julep Maven box?? Keep reading!

Ok, so first of all I want to talk about the actual service. Julep is based out of Washington with one of their salons in beautiful Gig Harbor, where I used to work at Artbeads.com back in the day! Last month I had to call to update my credit card information and was greeted with a pleasant voice message where I was asked to leave my information for someone to call me back. Having had mediocre experiences with companies in the past, I honestly expected to be called back the next day. Boy, I was I pleasantly surprised when I was called back within 5 minutes.... by a PERSON ... who spoke ENGLISH!!! HAHA! HOLY COW! That never happens anymore! The lady who took my call was so kind and when I told her I used to work in Gig Harbor she personally invited me to come to one of the salons the next time I'm in the area and told me all about how Julep Mavens get a discount! AWESOME!

Their next A+ in my book goes to their shipping department. Each package arrives lightening fast AND with tracking information! I really do not like when you pay for something and you don't know where it is until you have it in your hands. So.... A+++ to the Julep Shipping & Customer Service Departments!

Now let's talk about packaging... SUPER CUTE! Each month, you subscription arrives in a very sophisticated looking black box with Julep Maven in white writing. When you open it, everything is packaged perfectly! Each box has arrived with a cute crinkle paper of some kind to act as padding and then each product in the box is carefully placed and wrapped in either a sturdy box or a cute bag or tissue paper and some ribbon. They even wrap any of the glass nail polish bottles in bubble wrap for extra protection!

Julep also includes a card to describe what you are getting in your box and I always seem to find some "extras" thrown in which is always wonderful in my book! Wait... did I say "thrown" ?? Most companies I've purchased from, when they include something extra, it always seems to be just an extra product they've had left over or something, a product that has nothing to do with anything else in the box, and it's just "thrown" in there. Now don't get me wrong, I appreciate ANYTHING that is free. However, it just seems like such a nice touch to include a surprise extra that coordinates with something else in the box!

One of this month's cute "extras" was this Julep Daylight Defense lip balm with SPF 15. This product coordinates so well with the lotion that was included with my subscription this month. It is labeled as "Vanilla Mint" and it definitely is that! The lip balm itself is very soft and creamy and not oily at all. The vanilla mint scent is fantastic and the mint leaves a cool sensation around your mouth without being overpowering at all. The ingredients are natural and make me feel good about applying this product daily.

My next cute little summer surprise... 2 pixie sticks!! LOL! I haven't had one of these since I was little and so the memories just came flooding back! Thank you Julep for the flashback moment! :) So adorable!

This next little card was tied with a ribbon to the outside of the package. I LOVE Katharine Hepburn so I thought this was an adorable little inclusion with this package. It really seemed to fit with the box. As you will see the nail polish colors are bold but the other products encourage you to be responsible in having all your summer fun!

Now, on to the actual subscription products for the month! (Can you believe all that other stuff were just freebees??!) One thing you need to know about being a Julep Maven is that it is very much customized to you. When you sign up for the subscription, you take a little style quiz and it places you into a category: American Beauty, Boho Glam, Bombshell, Classic with a Twist, & It Girl. (But you can always pick which ever box you want in the end! Will explain that later.) My Julep Maven style is Classic with a Twist. So far I've just gone with their suggestion and have not changed to any other style boxes. So, the first product you see here is the Julep SPF 30 Daylight Defense for Hands & Face. The box reads, "The one-step solution for beautiful hands, nails and skin. Vitamin E hydrates skin and strengthens nails, while built-in SPF helps guard against fine lines and sun spots. - No parabens or sulfates - PABA-free - Ideal for everyday use"

My thoughts: This product feels so good on the skin! I have only used it on my hands so far and not my face, but I love what I'm feeling so far. The product to me has an extremely light citrus-y scent and is not oily, or greasy feeling; it just feels very soft. It really is a pleasure to wear! I plan on trying this out underneath my tinted moisturizer at some point on my face. 

Also with my subscription this month came 2 Julep Nail Polishes. LOVING these cotton-candy-like colors this month!! On the left is the pink polish called "Lauren". I would lean to say this is almost a hot-pink. One the left is the blue polish called "Claire". This is a beautiful true sky-blue color. 

These polishes were close to a recent nail tutorial I saw about water marble nail polish so it inspired me to give it a try! It's not perfect, but I love how the colors came out and when they blend, it gives a beautiful purple hue.

So there's my take on the water marbling with those 2 colors. Not too shabby for my first time, I don't think! 

Here are some FAQ about Julep Maven Subscription:

1. How much is the subscription? You can get your first month for just $.01! Seriously, that includes your products and shipping! After that, each box you choose to keep is $19.99 including shipping. 

2. What if I don't want a box during a particular month? Julep is AWESOME about this! Each month you will get an e-mail saying that your box is ready to view. You then have a few days to choose one of the following options.

a. Keep the box as is and do nothing. Your card will then be charged when the box ships.

b. Choose one of the other collections.

c. Gift the box to a friend (This is a great idea for a last minute birthday gift!) The box of your choice will be sent to the person you choose and your card will be charged when it ships to them.

d. Skip a month. (There are no penalty fees or anything of that kind when you choose to skip a month)

3. How can I become a Julep Maven NOW!? Just click the link to the left! If it doesn't show your box as a penny, just ask me for the latest coupon code!

--So that's it guys! I hope you enjoyed my review on this box and please let me know if you have any questions! I would love to know what you got in your Julep boxes this month!--

Yours... -- Jessica --