Mask Monday:: Lush Cupcake Fresh Face Mask

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Ahhh, what this you’re sharing with us today Lara, a brownie recipe? Smell like a brownie? Yes.  Look like brownie batter? Yes.  Taste good?  Um No!

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This is is a Fresh Face Mask from Lush called ‘Cupcake’.  If you are not familiar with the fresh face mask line from Lush, they are facial masks made from fresh, perishable ingredients that you can only buy in a Lush store.  This is what Lush has to say about this mask…

Cupcake is our one Fresh Face Mask that was created for a bit of fun. At the time, our inventor’s daughter was a young girl having slumber parties with her girlfriends every weekend, so he whipped up a chocolate mint mask for young, oily skin (officially solidifying him as the coolest dad ever). If you suffer from oily or spotty skin, slather it in this cocoa concoction. With spearmint oil to cool, vanilla absolute to calm redness and Rhassoul mud to deeply cleanse- Cupcake is a sweet savior for young faces. Smothering yourself in chocolate for clearer skin? Every teenage girl’s dream…

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While I am many years removed from being a teenager, my skin hasn’t seemed to realize that yet.  I still suffer from extremely oily acne prone skin, so this mask is a favorite.  It smells yummy and after rinsed off my skin feels clarified and fresh.

Products Mentioned :

Lush Fresh Face Mask “Cupcake” $6.95

Fab Fit Fun Box Fall 2014!

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So excited to share my Fab Fit Fun Fall Box with everyone!!! There is still time to snag your own FFF Box… 

 

 

Jessie Steele Apron

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What’s cookin’ good lookin’?  Must be you in this uh-dorable Jessie Steele Apron! With darling dots adornng the super cute vintage-inspired designs, you’ll be the hostess with the moistest this fall.  Featuring adjustable ties at the waist and the neck, you’ll serve up something hot in this number.  ( and we’re not just talking about dinner.)

Lara Says:: Love this!  I was just thinking last weekend after a marathon cooking session that I need to get a new apron and poof one appears on my doorstep not a week later 🙂

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster

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Revitalize your dried out post-summer skin with this much needed treatment by the skin care geniuses at Dermalogica! The super-luxe, ultra hydrating concentrate moisturizes deeply, minimizing fine lines. Containing hyaluronic acid, panthenol, glycolipids, and algae extract, this formula is a moisturization miracle!

 Lara Says:: My skin is not dry at all, so I don’t know if I’ll be able to use this.  I will definitely give it a try but I more then likely will be passing it along to a  friend or family member with drier skin.

Gramr Gratitude Co. Thank you Card Set, Sealing Wax, and Wax Press

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Let’s face it, when it comes to giving thanks sometimes a Twitter shout out just won’t cut it. Send a little love the old-fashioned way with a handwritten thank you note. These gorgeous cards come with sealing wax and a wax press for an added special touch that’s perfect for the season of giving.

 

Great Soles Pink Ribbon Ballet Barre Ped

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Never slip or slide in a yoga class again! Great Soles’ ballet inspired socks will help you perfect those body toning moves in all of your barre, Pilates, and Yoga Classes.  The super cute straps and flower detail make these way better than those clunky ol’ socks everyone else is sporting. And the cotton blend and heel tread help boost performance to give you a leg up (literally)! Here comes a bangin’ ballerina body.

Lara Says:: OMG so cute!  I can’t wait to wear theses!!

 

Beauty for Real True Color Lip Cream “ Always There”

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This FabFItFun favorite features a new color and texture that is perfect for fall.  BFR’s lip cream not only gives you high impact, long-lasting color, it smooth’s and softens to make your pout even healthier! Made with capuaca butter, plus organic neroli and mandarin oils, this cream gives a smoothing, calming feel while you party with pretty lips all night long.  Plus, the LED light and mirror make applying easy, anytime, any place.

Lara Says:: This is new brand to me and you all know I love new products!  I really like the color (very “fall”)  and the formula seems to be very creamy and the light and side mirror are handy as well.

CHI 44 Iron Guard

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Hear that sizzling sound? That’s your hair screaming out for a little TLC. Protect your locks from the damaging effects of heat styling without h ving to give up your signature ‘do with CHI’s Thermal Protection Stray.  The weightless formula delivers moisture back into your parched strands without leaving any ugly buildup.

Lara Says:: I’ve used this product before and I know I like it.  Thanks FFF!

 

The Honest Co. Hydrating Shea Butter Cleansing Bar

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Who wants to look a little more like Jessica Alba? Um, everyone. We are obsessed with Jessica’s entire Honest co. Product line—including this amazing uber-hydrating bar soap.  The 84% organic cleanser is made with luxurious coconut, olive, and argan oils that naturally moisturize, condition and smooth skin. Nourishing rich later is perfect for bodies of all ages.

 Lara Says:: This smells soooo good!  I’ve never used anything from The Honeste Co. so I’m excited to give this a try.

LaNatura Travel Size Body Butter

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Crips autumn air can totally dry out your skin. Lock the moisture in with LaNatura’s Pure Vegan Body Butters, which contain ingredients to heal, soothe and preserve skin’s youthfulness! Each butter is formulated without parabens, sulfates, petrolatum, synthetic fragrances, colors, mineral oil, PABA, or animal ingredients. Toss a travel-sized butter in your purse for uh-mazing moisture on the go!

 Lara Says:: This isn’t the most attractive looking body butter but I’m willing to give it a try.  However it is not the consistency of a body butter, its more of a body soup.  Very very liquidy.

FitFusion 3 Month Digital Subscription

Ready to get your butt kicked by Jillian Michaels? FitFusion is a digital platform that offers you tons of premium fitness video content from famous trainers! And we’re giving you a three-month subscription to keep your workouts in high gear even as the weather cools down— yoga, Pilates, HIIT, bootcamp, dance videos and more.  Plus you can stream them from your IPhone, IPad, laptop, TV, Chromecast, or Apple TV. And your course you can sport your super cute Great Soles while getting your Downward Dog on.

Lara Says:: This could not have come at a better time.  I can’t wait to give this a try and see if I can find some new workouts!

 

Mary’s Gone Crackers

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Halt the hungrys with these super delish and completely healthy vegan, organic, non-GMO, whole grain, kosher crackers (yes, nutrition is mouthful!) Try a  sample of these gourmet crispy treats that feature super foods like brown rice, flax, quinoa, and sesame in a variety of tasty flavors to satisfy even the most serious snack attack.

 Lara Says:: Theses pretzel like snacks have a unique crunch and a lingering spicy flavor.  I really liked them!

Numi Organic Tea

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Numi’s unique blends use only the highest quality organic, non-GMO, 100% real ingredients that are sourced directly from Fair Trade Certified gardens. Steep a cup to feel soothed and satisfied with a sample of our fave flavors. Their simple art of tea

Lara Says::  I love tea and mint is one of my favorite flavors.  Win win all around!

Products Mentioned::

Jessie Steele Apron  $32.00 (25% off your order using code LUVFFF25)

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster  $56.00

Gramr Gratitude Co. Thank you Card Set, Sealing Wax, and Wax Press  $43.00 (get 50% off the first month subscription using code FFF50)

Great Soles Pink Ribbon Ballet Barre Ped  $12.00

Beauty for Real True Color Lip Cream “ Always There”  $22.00

CHI 44 Iron Guard  $15.00

The Honest Co. Hydrating Shea Butter Cleansing Bar  $4.95 (Save 25% off your first order using the code HONESTLYFAB)

LaNatura Travel Size Body Butter  $18.00

FitFusion 3 Month Digital Subscription  $29.77

Mary’s Gone Crackers  $5.00 (Bonus Item)

Numi Organic Tea $6.99 (Bonus Item)

Mask Monday:: DIY Greek Yogurt and Honey

Its time for another installment of Mask Monday where I share a facial mask with you.  Today is a DIY mask with some ingredients you may already have!

 

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This is a super easy mask and it makes your skin feel so soft! A lot of the masks I make myself contain yogurt.  Not only is it delicious but it is beneficial for your skin.  Yogurt contains  Zinc, Lactic Acid, Calcium and B-Vitamins.   Yesterday I posted all about Yogurt so you know that its not only delicious in your mouth but on your face!  Honey is also excellent for your skin as it antibacterial, moisturizing and full of antioxidants. I forgot to add that not only is my honey local but it is raw.

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SkinCare Sunday:: Benefits of Yogurt for Skin!

In preparation of the DIY facial mask I will be sharing with you tomorrow for Mask Monday I thought it would be a good idea to explain why I put food on my face! A lot of the masks I make myself contain yogurt.  Not only is it delicious but it is beneficial for your skin.  Yogurt contains  Zinc, Lactic Acid, Calcium and B-Vitamins.

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Zinc is great for oily acne prone skin.  It is a transition metal for you chemistry nerds but don’t let that scare you!  It contains properties that are anti-inflammatory and can reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne and rashes.  Impressed? Well the zinc in yogurt also helps to regulate the oil production in your sebaceous glands so it will prevent acne breakouts and help regulate oily skin. 

Lactic Acid is surprise an acid! You may have heard of it before as it is found in many skin care products and it’s also one of the ingredients in yogurt.  Lactic Acid is used in skin care products because it helps prevent wrinkles and works to reduce existing wrinkles. It is also an exfoliator and moisturizer. Talk about multi-tasking!

Calcium is not only needed for strong teeth and bones but also for your skin!  The majority of the epidermal layer of your skin contains calcium.  Calcium contains anti-oxidants that help prevent and heal dry skin and also aids in skin regeneration.  So your mom wasn’t buying into the hype when she told you to drink your milk.  Not only is it good for your bones but it helps your skin.   

 Yogurt contains 3 B vitimans.  B2, B12 and B5.  B2 contains Rioflavin which your body has to have for regeneration of cells and it also works to protect your skin from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.  B12 works to heal uneven skin that can also be rough.  It also contains properties that lighten which makes it great for evening out acne scars! B5 works very similar to B12 but also works to create healthy fat in your skin cells.

 

Yogurt is great for oily and dry skin so no matter your skin type try the Yogurt and Honey Mask and let me know what you think! 

Summer 2014 Fab Fit Fun Box

I received the Fab Fit Fun box for spring but never got around to blogging about it as it came at a really busy time!  So I planned out and made sure I made time to let you all know about what is in the Summer box. And best of all, you can still snag one of these boxes, and I have a giveaway so you can win a few items from this box!!! Check out the Contest page to find out what you have to do… I promise its super easy!

FFF is a subscription box that costs $49.99 but usually is worth around $200.00.  This is a seasonal box so you get one every three months to correspond with the season!  Visit vip.fabfitfun.com and use my code 8422729 to get your own box! 

 

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First we have the KISSTXX Lip Balm:  “Give your makeout a makeover and create real chemistry with your special someone with these super fun KISSTIXX! Choose your flavor and give one to your smooching partner and watch the flavors mix as you heat things up.”  Well that sounds exciting…. but alas I have no one to smooch with so what if I mix the two…will that have the same effect?!  It sounds like a fun and innovative product if it really works! Worth: $5.99

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POPchips: Pop into a bag of these delish chips and you’ll never feel guilty for your snack attack again! POPchips are never fried (unhealthy), never baked (undelicious), just popped to perfection. These tasty chips are uh-amazing straight out of the bag or paired with your fave dip.  And the best part? They’re only 100-130 calories per single-serving bag!”  I want to try these but seriously the only chip flavor I will not eat is salt and vinegar so I’m going to pass these along to someone who will appreciate it! Worth: $1.29

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Thursday Friday Away Mini  Clutch/Makeup Bag: Your makeup bag just got a whole lot cuter! We’re ub-sessed with Thursday Fridays’ Canvas mini-clutches, which fashionably totes all your necessities wherever you go. The uber-popular clutch features a nylon lining, metal zip closure, and an uh-dorable print.”   Is this not the cutest thing?!  I am changing out the makeup bag I carry in my purse for this one! Worth: $ 35.00

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Balanced Guru No Frizz Oil: “Fight the summer frizz without weighing down your mane with silicones.  Balanced Guru’s blend of argan, jojoba, and tamanu oils controls those flyaways and nourishes your hair to keep you looking fab.” First off this smells sooo good!  I am excited to try this but I can totally see my curly haired sister Anna stealing this…. I may need to get her a bottle to keep mine safe…. Worth $25.00

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Sonya Dakar Flash Facial: ” Developed by Gwyneth Paltrow’s famed facialist, this Flash Facial is a miracle worker! In just 60 seconds, the Flash Facial will reveal softer, plumper and younger-looking skin.  Packed with antioxidants and hyaluronic and lactic acids, your skin will be smooth and radiant all summer long. “ Wow this sounds amazing, I honestly hope its as wonderful as it says it is. Either way, you can be sure after a few uses this will be reviewed on the blog! Worth $95.00

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Skintimate Shave Gel: “Not getting enough out of your shaving cream? Give your legs some TLC with Skintimate Shave Gels’ available in Signature Scents and Skin Therapy Formulas.  Skintimate Shave Gels will leave your gams feeling healthy and Beautiful after every shave, so you won’t have to think twice abut showing them off this summer.”  This is usually the shaving cream I buy so having a travel size is great for the summer!  Worth $1.99

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Slimfast Have Your Cake… Meal Bar: ” Make it like your birthday… every day! This indulgent protein meal bar features delicious vanilla cake and frosting, combined with fun sprinkles, and contains 180 calories per bar.  Its a delightful way to take the Slimfast 14-day Slimdown.”  Well it doesn’t taste horrible, but it sure as heck isn’t cake… sorry slimfast…. Worth $1.00

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Always Xtra Protection Long Daily Liners:Feeling clean and comfortable is always a priority, and these liners do the trick! Whether its the gym, a long workday, or any time you want to feel your best, Always Xtra Protection Long Daily Liner with LeakGuard Core will help keep you fresh and dry because they are 5x drier.  Welcome to your everyday, feel-fresh essential.”   Ummm, never got anything like this in a subscription box before… but hey it is something I’ll use. Worth $1.50

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Zoya Nail Polish: “Nail this summer’s mani trend with a polish by the leading innovator in fashion-forward nail shades and texture, Zoya! It’s vegan-friendly, safe for use during pregnancy, and the longest wearing natural nail polish on the market — leaving you with a gorgeous, vibrant color the healthy way.”  I received the shade Elodie which is  a Pinky-Orange Melon Color, perfect for summer!  Worth $9.00

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pur ~ lisse pur~protect SPF30: “Save your skin this summer with this anti-aging moisturizer complete with SPF30! This formula is so fab, it was recently featured in Vogue as the Editor’s Favorite Summer Product.  the super lightweight yet nourishing texture will have your face looking fab with or without makeup.”   This must be the it product of the summer as I also received this in my Ipsy bag this month.  Worth: $55.00

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FabFitFun Water Infuser BPA-Free Water Bottle: ” ‘Grab Life by the Exercise Balls,’ and keep yourself inspired while you perspire! We created this very special FFF BPA-Free Bottle with an infusher, so you can add your fave flavors to your H20.  Try cucumber and mint or strawberry and lime for a super-refreshing sip!”  What?!?! FFF can you read my mind? I have been shopping around for a bottle just like this and what do you know it  arrives at my doorstep.  This is by far my favorite product!  Yay!!! Worth: $15.00

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March 2014 Birchbox

Its that time again, subscription box time!!  Lets dive in and see what this month’s Birchbox holds.

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Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum  $42.00

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This is a moisturizer with sunscreen that is super lightweight.  I’ve used it twice now and I really like it.  A lot of moisturizers with sunscreen have that “smell” (you know what I mean) and they tend to be a little heavy for my oily prone skin.  Not so with this, I would seriously consider buying the product.

 

Air Repair Rescue Balm All-Purpose Skin Salve and Lip Balm  $12.00

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First off the name is quite the mouthful. Second this product is known in the industry as  the “Swiss Army Knife” of beauty products. It is described as a multitasking, all-natural skin salve can be applied anywhere and everywhere—to the lips, hands, face, knees, elbows, and even cuticles—to instantly soothe and heal dry skin.  I’m excited to try this as my lips and my elbows get super dry. 

theBalm How ‘Bout Them Apples? $32.00

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I’ve never been disappointed in a product from theBalm, so I’m sure to love this!  Several YouTubers that I watch have reviewed this cream blush palette and I’ve only heard praise. And for real, the little sample is soooo cute!!

 

Michael Todd True Organics Pumpkin Nutrient-Rich Facial Mask  $34.00

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Are you reading my mind Birchbox? I have been wanting to try Michael Todd products for over a year now and I made myself a promise that I would not buy anymore skincare products until I used what I had…. but its a sample….. and I really like it….like really like it! I’m pretty sure Michael Todd has garnered another fan.  Look for an in-depth review on an up coming Mask Monday.

Ghirardelli Intense Dark Cherry Tango

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Birchbox really? Have you been reading my mind? Chocolate!  Now I have made it clear that I’m not the biggest fan of Birchbox’s “lifestyle” extras, a pen? Come on guys! But chocolate? I don’t mind finding this in my box at all.

Greenleaf Candle  $17.00

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This candle made my box smell amazing.  And its little so that makes it extra cute too! Again, Birchbox I don’t mind lifestyle extra’s like candles, keep them coming.  Just hold the tea and pens please.

 

Sooo Ipsy has been beating Birchbox the last couple of months, but BB has really stepped up their game with this box.  And I received 6 items and not a foil packet in sight! 

 

Like what you see? Follow this link to sign up to receive your very own Birchbox for only $10 a month!! http://birch.ly/11hDxM6

December 2013 Birchbox

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It’s that time of the month again, albeit a little late for me… but better late than never! It’s time to see what I got in my Birchbox; December’s theme is Sparkle and Shine.  Let’s dive into this box of amazingness and see what I received!

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First thing I see is my Lifestyle extra which is a Mike Chocolate Forutne cookie from Emily’s Chocolates! This box is off to an amazing start… and it tastes like a chocolate covered fortune cookie… really no surprise there but I am always happy to eat chocolate so no disappointment here! And sidenote is it just me or have fortune cookie fortunes gone from fortunes to words of advice?  Things like, “Those who speak kind words have many friends.” (Got that last week) Yeah that is what I seem to be getting lately and disappointment…I didn’t get a fortune in my cookie! Oh well…

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Second is BeeKind Body Lotion.  BeeKind is an Eco-Friendly line and this lotion softens with honey and chamomile.  The package says that a portion of the proceeds support honey bee and sustainable pollination research so that is cool.  The lotion consistency is about a medium it’s not super thick but it is not super thin either.  It absorbs very quickly into the skin and my skin does feel very soft.  The scent reminds of a citrus cleaner my mom used when I was a kid…It is not a bad scent for me I like citrus scents but it could be a little to “earthy” for some people.

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Next is Nourishing and Plumping Lip Gloss from Secret Agent Beauty in Foreign Intelligence Flirt (haha Love the name!) this is a shimmery formula with peppermint oil and menthol so it is super minty and as it is a plumping gloss it does have a tingling sensation.  I like it and the color really sheers out.  However it did taste kind of weird when I took a sip of my coke…so there’s that.

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Hairspray hairspray!  Can’t have enough travel size hairsprays, this is from Number 4 and is their Non-Aerosol Hairspray.  I have a clarifying shampoo from Number 4 that I really like so I am excited to try this. I sprayed this on my hand because I wanted to see how sticky it was and how it smelled.  Good news on both parts!  It did not make my hand sticky in the least so I am interested to see how it holds.  Also the scent reminds me of something and I can’t put my hand on it…it is a fruity/lite floral scent but I have smelled something like this before, and I think it was another hair product…

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And last is a product from betty&ko called The Betty Polish and it smells A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! First glance this doesn’t look like anything special but it smells like buttery cookie dough!  the information card says it is a “yummy vanilla-almond scrub that leaves skin glowing”.  Seriously I want to eat it, it smells that good!

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All in all I think this is good box and I am excited about using all of the products!

Follow this link to sign up to receive your very own Birchbox for only $10 a month!!http://birch.ly/11hDxM6

 

Full Size Information::

BeeKind Body Lotion $15

Betty&ko The Betty Polish $48

Number 4 Non Aerosol Hairspray $30

Secret Agent Beauty Nourishing & Plumping Lip Gloss in Foreign Intelligence Flirt $18

Emily’s Chocolate Mike Chocolate Fortune Cookies $5.99