Lipgloss Break: April 2012
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Jessica nail polish in Sky High


Jessica nail polish in Sky High. In some light it's light blue (far left, with flash), and sometimes it's bluish grey. I plan on wearing a grey dress tomorrow so either way I'm coordinating. Really pretty color. Would look great on toes with sandals. Maybe with my new grey Tom's wedges...? ;)


Bejeweled Vaseline Lip Therapy

Seriously? How cute is this Vaseline jar?! If you know, me you know I have petroleum lip gelly in all every aspect of my life, my car, my pockets, my desk, by my bed, etc. I'm a huge fan and I think it's a beauty necessity! 


To celebrate this Mother's Day, Vaseline is giving away 100 of these bling-ed out jars! Here's how to win: Log on to www.VaselineLipTherapy.com  on 5/10 at 1PM ET for a one-day flash giveaway of the special Swarovski jars. They only have 100, and anticipate they’ll go fast!



Beautiful Change Challenge #6 - Give Back to your Community



 
I’ve come to the end of my Beautiful Change Challenge series. This is the last challenge, and by far, one of the most rewarding. I’m challenging you to think about your community, and how you can make a positive change or have a positive impact on it.  

There are so many opportunities for everyone to give back in their community, but unless you seek them out, you may not find out about them. My husband and I participated in the Big Brother’s Big Sisters program and it was a wonderful experience. Not only did we learn a lot from the experience, but I’m hoping the young boy we mentored did too. I’ve also been a volunteer camp counselor in the past at a Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America camp. I’ve had Crohn’s/colitis for almost 18 years now, so this was a volunteer opportunity that was near and dear to my heart (see picture: camp photo collage). I encourage you to find an opportunity that you are passionate about, and you will no doubt give it your all.

Food banks, soup kitchens and other volunteer opportunities are probably less than a 20 mile radius from any location. Here are a few sites to find one near you:
Food Banks finder
Habitat for Humanity site
Big Brother Big Sister site


Already giving back? Make sure to comment below and share what you are doing with readers. Also make sure to share it with Aveeno! This year, Aveeno is celebrating everyday Active Naturals by awarding eight grants in the amount of $10,000 to continue to make a beautiful difference - apply on their Facebook page! 






New AVEENO® PURE RENEWAL™ lets you renew your hair to its naturally balanced state daily.  Unlike ordinary shampoos, these sulphate-free formulas have Balancing Seaweed Extract; bringing hair back to its naturally healthy, most balanced state with each wash, for beautifully healthy-looking hair. Learn more here http://bit.ly/A1cjWg

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by AVEENO® via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of AVEENO®


Bath & Body 2 for $20 Candles

It's the most wonderful time of year...2 for $20 candles at Bath and Body :) Stock up on summer scents! Sale goes through Sunday.


Taylor Schilling's Look from John Frieda

You all know I'm a huge John Frieda and Harry Josh fan, so I couldn't help but post this release. Here's how Taylor Shilling got the look!

THE LOOK: Sleek, straight, and simple.

THE INSPIRATION: “Taylor was ready for a new look and I thought a bob would really compliment her gorgeous face,” said Harry Josh, John Frieda International Creative Consultant. “This sleek bob is chic enough for the red carpet and sophisticated enough for everyday wear.”

HOW TO GET THE LOOK: Harry Josh, John Frieda International Creative Consultant, cut six inches off of Taylor’s hair, giving her a sleek bob. After he cut her hair, Harry spritzed John Frieda Frizz-Ease 3-Day Straight throughout damp hair to ensure her blowout would be straight and frizz-free. An at-home alternative to in-salon keratin treatments, this heat-activated spray wraps individual strands with a unique blend of polymers and keratin proteins, sealing in straight style with the help of a flat iron.

Harry began blowing out her hair with a boar-bristle Mason Pearson brush, carefully straightening each section at a time. Next, he went over each piece with a comb and a flat iron, ensuring every hair stayed sleek.

Harry gave her a deep side part and tucked one front piece behind her ear. The result: a chic, sleek red carpet look.


And the Winner is...

Congrats to @SushGirl! She won the CARGO Bronzer giveaway Twitter giveaway. 


I'm going to be doing a lot more Twitter & Facebook only giveaways, so make sure to follow me twitter.com/lipglossbreak and facebook.com/lipglossbreak. I'll posting another one soon :)





Traveling East to West


Heading to San Francisco for the week! During the week is strictly business in Mountain View, but once Friday hits, me and the hubby are heading to the bay area. Staying at the Clift in Union Square, we're going to try and experience the city in a non-touristy way. You will definitely see us riding the BART!

Below is what 5% of my suitcase is filled with :) The last time I was in San Francisco I froze my butt off and had to buy an extra scarf to keep me warm. So I'm prepared this time with jackets, jeans and scarfs. I also tennis shoes for exploring.

I was excited to pack my new skinny jeans...they are so California! I also couldn't forget my workout journal and SF maps. Looking forward to getting exercise climbing the hills of the area. The only thing below that isn't in my suitcase is that adorable grey Rebecca Minkoff MAC mini clutch. Maybe I'll come across it in the city...

If you live in the area or are familiar with SF, please send us your suggestions on things to do and places to eat!


San Francisco trip 2012


Beautiful Change Challenge #5 - Get Physical!

 
 

The challenge for this week could almost be considered a lifestyle change for some people. The challenge: exercise. I’m talking about committing to being active and exercise at least 30 minutes 4-5 times a week.

I know this is hard. If you work full time and/or have kids, I know it’s hard to find the time. But this should be worked into your ‘me’ time, and whether you hit the gym up at lunch or work in a quick video before the kids get up, it’s important for your health and will make you feel better!

If you find yourself in an exercise rut, you may need to try something new to peak your interest and get you excited about working out and feeling good.

This happened to me. Last year, February 2011, I came across a local gym that offered kettlebell training and decided to check it out. So I show up to this class, by myself, not knowing anyone, and I fall in LOVE. It’s been over a year now that I’ve been going to kettlebell classes (for those of you in Michigan, it’s Fast Fitness Kettlebell) and I’m training for my first kettlebell competition in May! Not only that, but my husband goes to class with me on the weekends, and we've met some really cool people!
           
Here are some pointers to help get you started…
  • Start a workout journal. Moleskin has a great exercise journal that I use. Keep track of how you feel after a good work out, or better yet, how you feel when you miss a workout. Flip back to these pages when you find yourself needing motivation to go to the gym
  • Put your goals in writing (in ink!). And don’t forget to reward yourself when you hit your milestones.
  • Buy a monthly membership or punch card so you’ll stay committed.
  • Can't afford a gym membership? = not an excuse for not working out. There are 100s of sites and YouTube channels committed to bringing you kick butt at home work outs. Check out BodyRock.tv, happens to be my favorite one, that offers quick 20-30 minutes videos to knock out in the morning and then be done with your workout for the day!
  • Added bonus: Joining a new class or gym is a great way to make new friends! 
Do you have an exercise class you are committed to or favorite gym workout? Please share!

New AVEENO® PURE RENEWAL™ lets you renew your hair to its naturally balanced state daily.  Unlike ordinary shampoos, these sulphate-free formulas have Balancing Seaweed Extract; bringing hair back to its naturally healthy, most balanced state with each wash, for beautifully healthy-looking hair. Learn more here http://bit.ly/A1cjWg

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by AVEENO® via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of AVEENO®



Night at the Townsend

Lucky and blessed. That's what I am. Never thought I'd say I was 'staying at the Townsend' in Birmingham MI. I mean seriously, who stays in a 4-star hotel an hour from their house?


Even better than staying at the Townsend was meeting and getting to spend time with some amazing fellow woman bloggers. We were brought together this week by an event sponsored by Glam Media. Wednesday night we had great laughs and food at Tallulah Wine Bar, and then a shopping extravaganza at Caruso Caruso, followed by lunch, on Thursday.


From left to right (Ryan from Glam, Tammy from amominredhighheels.com, Rene from goodenoughmother.com, Nola from Glam, Jill from glamamom.com, me!, and Lauren from laurenmessiah.com)


The dress I'm wearing is one from my latest Marshall's venture, along with my blue suede heals. Gold buttons that say 'Guess' down the sleeve make the dress, along with the tie waist. Get to Marshall's and look for it if you need a dress that transitions seamlessly from day and work to night and play!


Thank you Glam for an amazing two days!!


Twitter Giveaway Break - CARGO Multi-mix Bronzer

Who needs some sun? The safe way, that is! I'm giving away a Cargo Multi-mix Bronzer.

Follow and tweet the following to win: Cargo Bronzer Giveaway @lipglossbreak! Retweet to win! http://bit.ly/JVlW3K

I'll select one lucky tweet to win! Contest ends Sunday, April 22, at midnight.

Each tweet increases your chance to win. Tweet as much as you like!




Ann Taylor & LOFT Friends & Family Sale



Apparently this is the weekend for Friends & Family! Loft is having their Friends & Family sale! 40% online and in store. Huge discount! Ends Sunday. 


Ulta Friends & Family Sale




Ulta Friends & Family sale this week! Don't miss out, stock up before Saturday! 


Burt's Bees güd is GOOD!





Love Burt's Bee's new line called güd! This all natural line is made up of 4 different scents: Floral Cherrynova, Orange Petalooza, Vanilla Flame and Pearanormal Activity.

I was able to test out the Softening Conditioner in Orange Petalooza. Super fresh scent, like fresh squeezed OJ. Loved the way my hair still smelled like oranges after drying and styling.

The lotions are also great. I used the Hand Cream in Floral Cherrynova. The cream soaked in fairly quickly and didn't leave my hands greasy.

The Body Butter is the best, in my opinion. Pearanormal Activity is a super sweet pear scent. The cream isn't too thick, but very moisturizing.

You know what else I love about this line? The prices! Very affordable line. Check it out if you are looking for a new summery scent!

Natural Nourishing Shampoo – 12oz for $6.99
Natural Softening Conditioner – 12oz for $6.99
Natural Body Wash – 10oz for $6.99
Natural Body Butter – 6oz for $11.99
Natural Body Lotion – 8oz for $6.99
Natural Body Mist – 3oz for $5.99
Natural Foaming Hand Wash – 8oz for $4.99
Natural Hand Cream – 3oz for $7.99


Beautiful Change Challenge #4 - Relax Your Mind


 

For the 4th installment of the Beautiful Change Challenge, I was tasked with sharing what I do to relax spiritually and mentally. Well, this is definitely a ‘challenge,’ because lately, I don’t have a whole lot of time where I can do this! I know this is the case for a lot of folks, whether it’s kids or work or both, it’s hard to ‘check out’ of daily life and find your ‘happy place.’

As much as I’d like to tell you that you can always make time for yourself, I know first hand, its hard, and sometimes you can’t. But…you can make the time where you are busy, more enjoyable, and more relaxing. Here are some ways I like to fit in things that relax me, while I’m at work or on the go…

While at work...
Find a music download site where you can listen to new music and make playlists (make sure it’s a legal one!). iTunes works, but sometimes its fun to listen to new music, and not the tunes you hear every day.

Make yourself a play list for your different moods, plug in your headphones, and listen to the tunes while you work. I know this isn’t feasible for everyone, but its something I do to relax myself when things get stressful at work.

While traveling..
I travel a lot for work. It’s tiring and I miss my family while I’m away, but there are little things I do while on the road that help me relax and even look forward to a plane ride.

I treat myself to Starbucks while waiting for my flight. I don’t like to drink too many sugary Starbucks drinks, but while traveling, I treat myself to a Chai tea latte or nonfat Vanilla Café Latte while I’m waiting at my gate for my flight. Only treating myself while traveling makes me dread not heading to the airport that much because I know a Starbucks Cafe Latte with a shot of soy and sugar free Hazelnut is waiting for me.

Watching movies while on flights is also a good way to get ‘me time.’ There are some movies I know I can’t pay my husband to watch with me, so when I’m on a plane, that is when I get my chick flick time in! Also, don’t forget your favorite magazine or book!

While driving…
Books on tape! Dying to read the latest 50 Shades of Grey? Get it on audiotapes to listen to during your commute. You’ll probably look forward to being stuck in traffic!

If you can do something similar to my ‘escapes’ each day, even for 10 minutes, to get your mind off your daily stresses, it will probably lead to you being more productive for the rest of the day. 

New AVEENO® PURE RENEWAL™ lets you renew your hair to its naturally balanced state daily.  Unlike ordinary shampoos, these sulphate-free formulas have Balancing Seaweed Extract; bringing hair back to its naturally healthy, most balanced state with each wash, for beautifully healthy-looking hair. Learn more here http://bit.ly/A1cjWg

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by AVEENO® via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of AVEENO®


Loving the Capri Style-In Conditioner by Borghese

I'm always up for trying out new leave in conditioners. My hair gets so dry between highlighting and well water shampoo, that I need to use deep conditioning treatments, leave in conditioners, and serums almost every day to help smooth it out.

I recently got to try Borghese's new Capri Style-In Conditioner, and I'm giving it an A+. This spray on conditioner made my hair shiny, soft and smooth. It smoothed out my frizzy ends and made the rest of my hair shine.

I applied about 5-6 squirts to my wet hair, and combed through it before drying. I didn't even feel the need to add oil before or after drying because my hair came out so smooth. The smell is very mild, and has a hint of lemon scent like their lotions. My hair still smelled like the conditioner after blow drying and styling.

I also got to test out the Borghese Siena Finishing Spray which has a great hold to it. Lasted all day at work!

The Borghese Hair Care Line has been out since this January at retailers nationwide (including CVS and Walgreens, very affordable). The new line of Italian-inspired products features a range of professional grade, botanical enriched shampoos, conditioners and styling products.

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.


Thakoon for NARS Nail Collection

Thakoon for NARS nail polish line, inspired by the designer’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection. I want the pink, purple and blue for my toes!


Stila on HauteLook


Stila on HauteLook today - these are always the best!


Bath & Body Works Fragrance Event on April 14th



Bath & Body Works is having a Fragrance Event this Saturday. Gather your girlfriends and discover the new fragrances, get a personalized fragrance makeover, and FREE gifts for you! 
                     
WHO:                    Bath & Body Works
WHAT:                  Spring Fragrance Party
WHEN:                 Saturday, April 14, 10am - 4pm
WHERE:                Select Bath & Body Works stores nationwide

They will also be offering:
  • ONE-ON-ONE FRAGRANCE MAKEOVER CONSULTATION: Ever wonder if your daily fragrance ritual is right for you? Now’s your chance to work with one of Bath and Body's fragrance experts to customize your scent experience. 
  • TAKE THE SIGNATURE FRAGRANCE CHALLENGE:  Show what you know about America’s favorite fragrances by taking our “Blind Fragrance Test”.  Playing the game enters you to win a Signature Fine Fragrance Mist of your choice!
  • FREE GIFT FROM BATH & BODY WORKS: When you make any full-size Signature Collection purchase, you can choose a full-size Signature Shower Gel in Japanese Cherry Blossom, Paris Amour, Sweet Pea, Moonlight Path or Twilight Woods and a travel size Body Lotion from the new Signature Wild Garden Collection.  Be one of the first 20 customers at the register with your purchase to receive a full size Signature Fine Fragrance Mist!   
Visit the Event Page at Facebook.com/BathandBodyWorks or go to BathandBodyWorks.com/Event for details. Let me know what you buy if you go!


NARS Summer 2012 Collection

NARS Summer 2012 Collection - My eye is on the nail polish, looks super summery! 


Salon Perfect Blooming with Color nail polish

Fun new colors from Salon Perfect Blooming with Color nail polish line: 

  • Perfectly Peach – Delicate peach
  • Lemon Zing – Sunny yellow
  • Kiwi Lime – Vibrant green
  • Blue Mint – Cheerful mint
  • Berry Blue – Classic periwinkle
  • Purple Sorbet – Dark lilac
  • Lavender Icing – Soft lilac
  • Spicy Tomato – Juicy red
  • Tangy Tangerine – Tart orange
  • Sour Apples – True blue-green
  • Blue Raspberry – Vivid azure
  • Plum Sorbet – Magenta with purple shimmer
  • Berry Pink – Bold flamingo pink
  • Bubblegum – Honeysuckle pink 

The collection will be available in approximately 1,700 Walmart locations nationwide during the month of May for $2.98.

About Salon Perfect:
Salon Perfect is a collection of professional-quality lash, brow and nail products. Available exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide, Salon Perfect offers premium faux lashes in an assortment of styles.



National Donate Your Hair Day

Pantene and Seventeen Magazine have teamed up to host the first-ever National Donate Your Hair Day on April 27, benefiting the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program. This will be the first annual day of giving where people nationwide are encouraged to cut and donate their hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths.


Created in 2006, Pantene Beautiful Lengths inspires people to grow, cut and donate their healthy hair to create free, real-hair wigs for women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments.  To date, Pantene Beautiful Lengths has received more than 311,000 hair donations from generous men, women, and children and more than 18,000 real-hair wigs have been provided to female cancer patients.  

In celebration of the inaugural National Donate Your Hair Day, Pantene and Seventeen Magazine will host an event on April 27 at the Rita Hazan Salon in New York City. Pantene Celebrity Hair Stylist Danilo will also be at the salon to support the hair donors and lend his voice to the program. 

Find out more about the program and participating salons at: http://beautifullengths.wordpress.com/national-donate-your-hair-day/



Giveaway Break - Stephanie Johnson Cosmetic Bags for Playtex

Playtex Gentle Glide Feminine Care has partnered with cosmetic and jewelry bag designer Stephanie Johnson to create Stephanie Johnson Exclusive Cosmetic Bags for the Playtex Brand. This is a limited edition collection that is being offered to loyal Playtex users via mail in program.

Stephanie Johnson designed these bags with today's modern woman in mind, along with the fun pops of colors on the Playtex Sport and Gentle Glide boxes. These are super cute bags - a must for traveling or for your gym bag!

Stephanie Johnson's colorful and unique collections have become a celebrity favorite, but it's her actions as an empowered woman that really sparked this collaboration. "Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to be in fashion, but my life took me in another direction" says Stephanie. She left her job as a marketing executive to pursue her dream of launching her own fashion company. Says Stephanie, "I couldn't be happier!"

Believe in yourself and in your dreams - powerful women will go far!

Now through August 30th, Playtex Gentle Glide and Playtex Sport brand tampon users who mail in two specially marked packages of Playtex will receive an exclusive Stephanie Johnson cosmetic bag worth $45. This is a ridiculous good deal and I highly suggest taking advantage of it! Or...you can try to win this from Lipgloss Break!


***Giveaway***

Enter to win a Stephanie Johnson Playtex Cosmetic Bag!

Fill out the form below to win! For extra entries, you can sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me and retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest or become a fan on Facebook; just make sure to list the entries in your comment. Enter up to once a day!

For an extra entry, tell me about your empowerment moment...the moment you took control of your life and did what you love!

This giveaway is open to US residents only. The contest will end on Thursday, May 10th. I will randomly select one winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!




Beautiful Change Challenge #3 - Spring Cleaning





 





It’s getting warmer out and it’s officially Spring…yay! It’s the time of year for the ‘grand switch.’ This is what I call swapping out Winter clothes and Summer clothes in our drawers and closets. I have a few huge Tupperware containers that I keep all of our off season clothes in, and when the seasons change we swap out what’s in our closets for what was in storage. I store the containers in my basement until the next season.


Here are some ideas for Spring cleaning season:
  • If you didn’t wear it last year, you won’t wear it this year.  Donate clothes, shoes and accessories to Purple Heart or the Salvation Army. Make room for new trends in your closet
  • Having a bag ready for Purple Heart also encourages (and challenges) me to find other household items I’m not using any longer. I usually leave the bag(s) out for one week before scheduling a pick up.  I’m always finding stuff I can get rid of it and help unclutter my home.
  • Find a consignment shop near you for clothes that are ‘like new.’ If you have gently used clothes that you’re not going to wear again, try bringing them to a consignment shop. Consignment shops usually take in season clothes that are only gently warn (no deodorant stains, holes or visible wear). If they take on your items, you get a cut of what they sell for (I think 50% is normal). Extra cash for shopping trips!
  •  It’s garage sale season! I’ve never hosted one, but I’ve always gone in on friends’. This year, I’m joining forces with my neighbor to offload some household items we don’t use anymore.

If you find yourself giving a lot of clothes away, maybe because they were last year’s trends, then it’s important to think about this during your next shopping trends. I love joining in on new trends, but if a trend is very extreme (example, neon colors) then you most likely won’t want to wear that the next year. So to cut down on what you get rid of next year, try maybe adding accessory trends to your wardrobe, which are usually less expensive (Forever 21 and H&M are great for this) or pieces that aren’t extreme in trendiness (for example, color blocking with more neutral colors will carry over to other seasons).

What are your Spring cleaning tips? Please do share!



New AVEENO® PURE RENEWAL™ lets you renew your hair to its naturally balanced state daily.  Unlike ordinary shampoos, these sulphate-free formulas have Balancing Seaweed Extract; bringing hair back to its naturally healthy, most balanced state with each wash, for beautifully healthy-looking hair. Learn more here http://bit.ly/A1cjWg

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by AVEENO® via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of AVEENO®


Country Music Awards Glam

Are you a country music fan? Too Faced Cosmetics is! Learn how to get Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert's Country Music Award looks!


Here's how to get Carrie Underwood's look:  

Eyes: Make smoldering eyes easy with Too Faced Smokey Eye Eyeshadow Collection, $36, TooFaced.com.

Lips: Compliment a smokey eye with pinky-nude Too Faced Glamour Gloss in Barely Legal, $19, TooFaced.com.

Skin: Get a bronze bod without the fake-bake like Carrie with Too Faced Royal Oil Coconut Oil Body Bronzer, $35, TooFaced.com.


Here's how to get Miranda Lambert's look:

Eyes: Accentuate eyes with Too Faced Natural at Night Eye Palette, $36, TooFaced.com. Signature How-To Cards made it simple.

Lips: For subtle shimmer, layer Too Faced Lip of Luxury Lipstick, $20, in Totally Nude with Glamour Gloss in Plush, $19, TooFaced.com.

Face: Highlight cheekbones with Too Faced Candlelight Glow, then add a hint of color with Ultra Flush Blush in  Who’s Your Poppy, $19, TooFaced.com.