Lipgloss Break
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Get Cozy at a Kimpton Hotel

 
I completed a wonderful stay at the Harbor Court Hotel in San Francisco about a month ago. Harbor Court is a Kimpton Hotel, which are all boutique hotels. I've always been very impressed with Kimpton hotels' hospitality, loyalty program and perks.

Few of the perks....
  • I've stayed at 3 different Kimpton Hotels before and all have a complimentary happy hour for guests, including beer, wine and snacks. This is really nice to come back to after a long day of work. They also always have lemon and/or orange flavored water and coffee in the lobby in the AM.
  • Once you join their free loyalty program, Kimpton inTouch Loyalty, you automatically get free in room WIFI (it's hard to believe some hotels still charge for this) and $10 worth of goodies from the mini bar. This stay I opted for 2 water bottles, but next time I'm going for the wine.
  • At Harbor Court in SF, they have bikes you can check out and use to explore the city. They are also usually pet friendly. I don’t have a pet, but could see this being a huge plus if I was pet owner.
Last year my husband and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary in Chicago. We made reservations at the Palomar hotel and of course, I tweeted about it. We were out and about in the city and when we came back at night we had a lovely surprise, chocolate cover strawberries and champagne! The hotel staff left a really sweet note wishing us a happy anniversary.

Kimpton hotels do a really great job at making you feel ‘at home’ in a big city. They have locations in several big cities, including Boston, Chicago, SF and Miami. If they are an option for your next trip, I highly recommend checking them out!

Photo from Kimptonhotels.com







Shop It To Me Threads Louboutins Giveaway

shop it to me threads
If you haven't heard of Shop It To Me Threads, it's definitely worth checking out. It's like having your own shopping assistant. When you sign up (for free) you specify what kind of clothes, accessories, brands, trends etc. you like to shop for. In daily or weekly emails, Shop it to Me Threads will send you an update when those brands or items are on sale.

To celebrate their recent launch, Shop It To Me Threads is giving away a pair of Louboutins! Here's how to enter:
1 - Join Shop It To Me Threads
2 - Follow @ShopItToMe on Twitter and tweet the following phrase:  "Enter to win #Louboutins c/o your free personal shopping assistant @ShopItToMe Threads! Just visit http://bit.ly/14RBh4T & RT"

Good luck!



Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup


  • Mama Fashionista: Quinn of Mama Fashionista opens up and shares the beginning of a different kind of beauty story...


  • Fabulous Awesomeness: Mina Slater shows off vibrant nail polish with the Julep Maven April 2013 Turn On The Brights collection. See swatches & reviews of all 5 maven boxes including Rock Candy Nail Glaze!
  • Emily hudspeth, hair and makeup: Subtle Changes to Freshen Up your Look for Spring. Without Spending Too Much Time or Money.
  • D.G.S.Beauty: Dinah reviews and swatches Rouge Bunny Rouge Loose Glitter Pigments, Highlighting Liquids, Anti-ageing Moisturiser, and Make-up Melt Cleanser
  • BeautyTidbits: Harshleen raves about the new Jane Iredale PureGloss Lip glosses, her new favorite glosses for spring!
  • TheFabZilla: Get Yo Funk on with Eddie Funkhouser New York Makeups! TheFabZilla has the deets for ya!
  • Painted Ladies: Sheila from Painted Ladies is raising awarness for Autism by sharing her son's journey.
  • Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: If ever there was a perfect Kaleidoscope, Le Métier de Beauté created it with their stunning Bauhaus Lip Kit! It is pure unadulterated magic!
  • The Advice Sisters: Red lips are like a little black dress, a must-have classic. Mally Roncal's Perfect Red Lip Kit helps you get the look
  • Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor discusses some of her favorite beauty products of the spring!
  • Endless Summer: Elena tried and tested the newest Gatineau Renew 7 Detox serum, which promises to change your skin in just 7 days!
  • Scottish Beauty Blog: Dubbed the beauty accessory of 2013, Sarah from Scottish Beauty Blog is checking out the inking at the Scottish Tattoo Convention
  • Lipgloss Break: Angela from Lipgloss Break shares her review of Mane Teeze hair perfume.


  • Sally Hansen Magnetic Nails in Red-y Response

    sally hansen magnetic nails red-y response
    My best friend Tina tried out Sally Hansen's Magnetic nails in Red-y Response. She thought it was easy to do too, but did chip on her pretty quickly. Make sure to get a good top coat for this polish. It's harder to touch up little chips and keep the magnetic waves.

    Check out my swatch of Sally Hansen Magnetic nails in Electric Emerald.



    And the Winners Are...

    The winners of the Clos du Bois Pixi cosmetic set are:
    shempgames
    dstephan6
    sweett36
    mleejohnson1967
    sully872

    Thanks to all who entered! Don't forget to enter my current giveaway for a surprise beauty prize pack!


    Giveaway Break - I Hit 2k Twitter Followers!


    A long time ago I announced on Twitter that once I got 2k followers, I would put together a massive giveaway. Since I'm a woman of my word, here it is! Enter below to win a Beauty Surprise Pack. This giveaway will be filled with fun goodies  from brands including Yves Rocher, Korres, DHC and MORE. Enter to win below!
    a Rafflecopter giveaway



    Mane Teeze Hair Perfume Review

    If you have ever...
    skipped a day of washing your hair, or
    skipped a hair wash after a workout at the gym, or
    dreaded the smell of your hair after attending a hibachi restaurant....this product is for you.

    I'm talking about Mane Teeze hair perfume. This is not a regular perfume. Mane Teeze contains higher concentrates than regular perfumes, but is still very gentle for use on your hair. The long lasting scent is noticeable for up to 12 hours. I have witnessed this! I sprayed this in my hair at 7am and my hairstylist said my hair smelled great when she started my highlights 10+ hours later.

    Owners of Blow Dry Bar, Melanie Groom and Tara McIntyre, recognized they were missing a piece of the hair styling category. In order to fill this void, they created Mane Teeze by T&M. Check out their site, these two ladies look like so much fun!

    I was fortunate to get a sample of Social Butterfly, which is a vanilla and coconut scent. Definitely reminds me of summer scents. Just two sprays lasted the whole day.

    There are two other scents, Black Widow & Haut Mess. Black Widow is a dark amber scent, and Haut Mess is a mix of chocolate, caramel and dessert like scents (yum!). Ideally I'd keep one in my gym bag and one at home. I've taken mine on all of my business trips in the last month - it's TSA size approved!

    They retail at $34 for 50 ml and can be purchased from ManeTeeze.com. I think a bottle this size will last a long time. I know I'm going to savor every spritz!

    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.


    February Glossy Box

    February's Glossy Box was all about International Style. Whether you’re jet-setting around the world for Fashion Weeks or vacation, or maybe something less glamorous, like traveling for work (like me!), the products in this month’s box are travel friendly, and will keep you looking fabulous in your travels.



    Here’s a rundown of the goodies:


    BVLGARI Eau Parfumee Au The Blanc soap – This creamy beauty soap is lightly scented with the fragrance of Eau Parfumee Au The Blanc. As soon as I opened up my Glossy Box I smelled this soap! It’s a cleanser and moisturizer, and will leave you with the light scent of this perfume. The full size is $30/5.3oz.


    Da Vinci Cosmetics Shimmer PowderLately I've been focusing more attention to all natural cosmetics, so I was excited to see Da Vinci shimmer powders in this month's Glossy Box. The powders can be used on cheeks or eyes (depending on the color). I used mine as a shadow and it stayed really well throughout the day (with an eye primer). I love loose powders because they seem to last forever. A little usually goes a long way.


    Evologie eSystem Duo Pack Intensive Blemish Serum & Stay Clean Cream – We all know it’s hard to keep up on beauty and skincare routines when traveling, but sometimes it’s the most important since being more tired, dehydrated and stress from travel can take a toll on our skin! This duo consists of a blemish serum and stay clear cream. Use twice a day to help stay blemish free! 


    Lisi Liquid Line Eyeliner – This has been my favorite product from this box. It’s travel friendly in slick, slim packaging. The applicator is super thin and goes on really smooth and even. It’s really affordable for being quality eyeliner as well. You can find it at LisiCosmetics.com for $7 a pop! I tried this in black, but it comes in a variety colors, including deep shimmers, classic hues, and even some with sparkles.



    Nail Rock Nail Wraps – Between gel manicures and nail wraps, there is no excuse for a chipped mani! They are ridiculously easy to apply, and you’re out the door with no dry time. They retail at $8 for a full set. Very affordable compared to a manicure at a salon. 

    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.


    Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup

     
    Let us do the surfing for you...here's the best in beauty reviews from the week!
     

  • Money Making Makeup Artist: Q&A of a successful makeup artist and what keeps him inspired and working in the business.


  • Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Destany tries on the plums and berries lipsticks from the new Milani COLORstatement line.
  • Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: After having been frustrated by her makeup brush storage, Helen from Lola's Secret Beauty Blog finally found a viable solution that works! Take a peek!
  • BeautyTidbits: Harshleen is giving away the new Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush! Enter to win!
  • Midnight Manicures: After this harsh Winter season, get your hand and nails in perfect condition. Find out Jeanie's 6 Favorite Julep Hand and Nail Care Products.
  • datyorkLOVES: Undecided on colors for your mani? Check out datyorkLOVES red and white manicure, its simple and a classic!
  • Beauty Professor: Always seeking to keep it simple, The Beauty Professor shares her current skincare routine!
  • TheFabZilla: After posting rave-views on Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation and Ambient Lighting Powder, will this Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick be a hit to TheFabZilla?
  • Painted Ladies: Sheila from Painted Ladies has 5 ways to freshen up your beauty routine for Spring
  • Beauty Info Zone: If you want a cosmetic subscription box that will know your socks off then try the March Wantable box.
  • My Highest Self: The St. Ives Revitalizing Pear & Soy Body Wash leaves Tina craving a pear martini!
  • Beauty by Miss L: Miss L reviewed one of her favorite hair care products by L´ Oreal.
  • Lipgloss Break: Lipgloss Break makes waves with Sally Hansen Magnetic nail polish. Check out her review.
  • My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog shows us the hair products she has been using: Rock Your Hair!
  • The Advice Sisters Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle Website: What you can't see CAN hurt you. CeraVe has a bunch of new physical & chemical sun screens that make protection, a pleasure
  • Pammy Blogs Beauty: Pammy Blog Beauty checks out Beauty Addicts' new PLAY Collection. See what she thinks!
  • Mimi's Mani's and Other Beauty: It Cosmetics Will Have Others Saying Hello Beautiful to you!
  • Blushing Noir: Blushing Noir shows you the jewelry in her March RocksBox! Help her decide what to keep!


  • Clean Eating Sloppy Joes

    It was hard to find a clean eating sloppy joe slow cooker recipe...so I just made one up! They turned out delicious. So delicious, that my husband and brother in law ate them all before I could take a picture. Here's what I used:

    Ingredients: 
    1.5-2lbs of ground turkey, beef or venison (I used venison)
    1 cup of all natural ketchup (make sure it doesn't contain a bunch of added preservative junk)
    1/4 cup of hot sauce (if you don't like spice you can leave this out)
    1 chopped green pepper
    1/2 cup chopped celery
    1 tbsp of sweet pickle relish
    1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
    8 whole wheat or multi grain buns (I like to toast my buns :)

    1. Brown the meat in a large skillet. Once it's no longer pink, drain, and add to the slow cooker.
    2. Add all other ingredients and stir well.
    3. Cook for 8 hours on low (may very based on your slow cooker). This is a 'cook while at work' approved recipe!
    4. Serve 1/2 cup of mixture on a toasted bun and enjoy!