My Jurlique Skincare Routine!

I have the pleasure of trying out a lot of skin care products but Jurlique has become one of my favorite brands so far...So much so, that they are sort of my standard. It can be a bit jarring to my skin to change up routines too often, but duty calls, and I find myself swapping out products every 3 to 4 weeks. But now, instead of changing my day time AND night time routine, I just switch my night time products when I need to test something new, and my morning routine (and my skin, for the most part) stays consistent with these products from Jurlique...

100% Pure Coconut Nourishing Body Cream -AKA: A Swaggable Mini Review

I'm a member of a beta website called Swaggable, whose mission is to bring "people and products together in new and fun ways. When people try products they fall in love with, they want to share those experiences. Swaggable is here to help users discover great new products together." Basically, you sign up on the site, let them know what your favorite products are, and from time to time they invite you to sample some new ones in line with your taste. I've gotten to sample a powder chai latte mix and most recently was sent a trio of body creams from Purity Cosmetics.

100% Pure Coconut Nourishing Cream (MSRP $15.00 for 8 oz.) is all natural, 100% vegan, and gluten free. According to the website, it is: "Highly nourishing, luxurious cream concentrated with potent anti-aging antioxidants, vitamins, skin softening fruit oils and moisturizing cocoa and avocado butters. Delicious smelling body cream will immediately hydrate, soften and feed your skin nutrients for a healthy, glowing complexion. Truly, 100% Pure - never any artificial fragrances, synthetic chemicals, toxic preservatives, or any other unsafe ingredients. Made only with the highest quality, organic nutrients for your skin."

Ingredients: Aloe Juice, Rose Hydrosol, Cocoa Butter, Avocado Butter, Grapeseed Seed Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Candelilla Wax, Blackcurrant Oil, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Coconut Flavor, Vanilla, Coconut Extract, Organic Green Coffee, Organic Wild Cherry, Pomegranate, Organic Raspberry, Blackberry and Organic White Tea, Citric Acid, Witch Hazel, Japanese Honeysuckle, Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme and Goldenseal, Grain Alcohol, Acai Berry, Resveratrol, Organic Green Tea, Mangosteen, Goji Berry, Maqui Berry, Elderberry and Muscadine Grape

My Take: Since my sample arrived in something akin to a ketchup packet, I didn't quite have high hopes for this cream. Well, they say never judge a book by its cover, and I suppose the same can be said for products and their packaging because this cream was FANTASTIC! It smelled like warm, toasted coconut and the texture of the cream itself was to die for: something between a thick, whipped mousse and a rich, luxurious cream. It left my rough, dry hands and forearms silky smooth and soft-my hands literally felt moisturized from the inside out! I will definitely be buying a full size of this cream; I was that impressed!

Until next time...

Fab Five Favorites! Lil Bits' Bath Time Edition

So is it really a surprise that I might be slightly obsessed with bath goodies for my lil bits (and my not so lil bit too) or that that obsession has been passed on to them as well? No? Didn't think so! Don't judge me! Hygiene is important! And while it may be perfectly alright to have have (occasionally) smelly little boys, little girls that smell like "outside" (as I like to phrase it) are not the business. So here are a few of the lines and products that keep my little princesses clean, soft, and yummy smelling!

Shop Like a Fashion Editor at F21!

This holiday, Forever 21 partnered with four Condé Nast Editors from Glamour, Teen Vogue, W and Details to select the season's best looks. 

Participating editors included Laurel Pantin, Glamour's Associate Shopping and Accessories Editor; Mary Kate Steinmiller, Teen Vogue's Senior Fashion Market Editor; Lindsey Frugier, W's Market Editor; and Justin Berkowitz, Details' Market Editor.

Left to Right: Justin Berkowitz, Market Editor at Details; Laurel Pantin, Associate Shopping and Accessories Editor at Glamour; Mary Kate Steinmiller, Senior Fashion Market Editor atTeen Vogue; and Lindsey Frugier, Market Editor at W.

Each editor's picks will be featured in 480 Forever 21 stores across the U.S. through the holidays. 

Forever 21 will also be selling one-year subscription cards for each title in stores and online. W and Glamour will be sold for $12.00 (1 year/12 issues), and Details and Teen Vogue will be sold for $8.00 (1 year/10 issues).

Will you be shopping the Editor's List at Forever 21? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this genius (IMHO) collaboration! Until next time...

TotalBeauty.com's Beautygasm Box AKA: For that "Special" Inner Glow...

TotalBeauty.com, a great online resource for beauty news, reviews and an engaging community for beauty lovers, has introduced their version of a subscription service: the TOTAL BEAUTY COLLECTION, a package of deluxe beauty samples hand-picked by their editors for beauty addicts, er... I mean enthusiasts, to buy and try at home. For December, they're spicing up the whole "treat yourself" (or, if you're a fan of Parks & Recreation like I am-"treat yoself") concept by including a little something extra from Trojan (not pictured above), to inspire women to, uh... indulge in themselves. Let just say, you can think of it as a non-cosmetic way of achieving that special glow...Talk about getting a winter glow from the inside out…

White Sands Orchid Bliss Shampoo and Conditioner

I miss warm weather. Dearly. So while I usually prefer to adjust my fragrance selections to match the seasons (more fruity, floral, citrus scents in the spring and summer and musks, orientals, and woodsy scents in the fall and winter)-when I'm missing the sun, I sometimes try to trick my senses in to thinking that it's warm out by using products with scents that are more... "tropically oriented." Enter White Sands Orchid Bliss Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner...

The Best Beauty News on the Web! AKA: The Beauty Blog Coalitions Weekly Roundup (11/26/2012)

Fabulous Awesomeness: Mina Slater shares photos and more in her recap of The Makeup Show Orlando!

Love For Lacquer : Feast your eyes on the new beautiful Behind Closed Doors collection from Cult Nails!

datyorkLOVES: Week Review Plus Mini Contest! If you are great at naming polishes this will totally be up your alley!

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: OPI Schnapps Out Of It! is featured on Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom as part of Dealing With Your Family week :)

TheFabZilla: No time for hairstyling tools? Then a statement headpiece is the next best option to look fantabulous this holiday season. TheFabZilla shares a quick hairstyle for the hostess with the mostest!

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog plays with color using the BareMinerals Eyeshadow 8.0 palette in The Cocktail Hour.

Beauty Info Zone: Senna Cosmetics has a nude kit you don't want to miss. Beauty Info Zone has all the details on this Sultry set.

InTrubeauty: Looking for the perfect holiday gift for that perfume lover on your list? Look no further than InTrubeauty's Review of Beyonce's Midnight Heat.

Mama Fashionista: Mama Fashionista did a "swap" with Cafe Fashionista! See what goodies her FIB sent her way!

The Advice Sisters: Archaeologists have found evidence that even “bronze-age” women used makeup such as a bright green paste of copper minerals. Millennia later, we still love it! The Advice Sisters recommend mineral makeup holiday gifts!

Beauty by Miss L: Miss L found out if Reviva Labs All Natural Seaweed Soap helps to reduce cellulite.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Lola's Secret Beauty Blog has a delightful array of must-have beauty picks from the Sephora V.I.B. sale!

Midnight Manicures: Check out Jeanie's review of the Swarovski Crystal embellished glass fashion items by Mont Bleu from the Czech Republic.

Mimi's Mani's: Mimi's Mani's shares a great holographic for the winter months

Painted Ladies: Sheila has her eyes on Make Up For Ever's All Eyes On You set for Holiday 2012.

The Beauty Blogazans Weekly Roundup

• The Convenient Beauty: The Convenient Beauty shares her first impression on the Tom Ford Beauty Haul.
• Beauty by Miss L: Check out Miss L´s sweet and cute manicure that glows in the dark.
• TheFabZilla: Looking for hairstyle inspiration for the holidays? TheFabZilla shows her version of Celebrity Loose Waves (Photo & Video Tutorial).
• datyorkLOVES: Week Review Plus Mini Contest! If you are great at naming polishes this will totally be up your alley!
• Vicerimus: If you can't have a dessert - have it on your nails, like Vicerimus did!..and then just have it :)
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Need some help dealing with your family during the holidays? Destany at Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom is offering some aptly-named nail polishes for such a dillemma, starting with OPI Schnapps Out Of It!
• Trouble-Maker On Heels: Trouble-Maker On Heels received her first MUA Cosmetics order.
• My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog plays with color using the BareMinerals Eyeshadow 8.0 palette in The Cocktail Hour.
• Sincerely Stephanie: Check out this multi finish colour blocking mani featuring some holographic goodness!
• Jamegackie: Loved Skyfall and James Bond? Check out these Bond Inspired Nails!
• Très Beau Glamour: Every female has their favorite scents. When it comes to body washes, Nay Denise has her top 5 body washes and she's sharing it with you. Take a look and read on.
• Love At First Site!: A new love for this winter by The Body Shop! Monoi Body Balm from the the Spa Wisdom Polynesia series.
• Addicted to OPI-yum: Check out this easy Rihanna inspired DIAMONDS mani!
• Mama Fashionista: In the first installment of the Mac Matters series, find out what Quinn chose to start her "core collection!"
• Beauty Apocalypse: A glow from to toe (and beyond), Beauty Apocalypse reviews Total Beauty's Beautygasm collection.
• SoFlaJo: Thankfully, Everybody Loves Nail Polish.
• Polarbelle: Polarbelle has explored the Anastasia Beverly Hills Want You To Want Me and would like you to experience this great gift set.
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Burberry, anyone? Lola's Secret Beauty Blog is around the bend for Burberry- see what is inside all of those pretty boxes!
• Midnight Manicures: Check out Jeanie's review of the Swarovski Crystal embellished glass fashion items by Mont Bleu from the Czech Republic.

There's Nothing Like a Good Friend with Good Taste! AKA- My Swap with Cafe Fashionista

My lovely, lovely FIB (Friend In Blogging-yeah, I think I just coined a term), Erika Sorocco, or Cafe Fashionista and I decided to do a SWAP!!! You know, like the ones that YouTube beauty gurus do? I just love those videos and I couldn't think of anyone better to do it with than Erika! She has been a loyal friend and supporter wince I began blogging, way back when. I read her posts almost daily (and backtrack when I happen to miss a few) and I always try to take the time to comment (that's one way we bloggers show support for each other). She has impeccable style, incredible taste, and like me she's obsessed with reading, writing, fashion, and coffee! Though we have never met, I have developed a deep affection for Erika over the years, and I am so pleased that we were able to do this swap together.

So, on to the swap! I approached Erika with the idea of a swap a few weeks back-that we set an agreed upon price limit and then exchange packages of goodies and share it with our readers. I suggested that for us, instead of focusing on just cosmetics, we could include books, accessories, nail polish, and coffee. She loved the idea and away we went!

Initially we set a price limit of $100, but we both soon found that that was not quite enough money. We were having too much fun shopping for each other! One of the awesome things about doing what I do, is that I'm exposed to such great brands and products and I was super eager to share my loves with my friend. But a lot of my faves are not on the budget friendly side (honestly, I purchased two items and was well over $50), so we went back to the drawing board, first agreeing on $150, but finally settling on $200.

As exciting as it was to be shopping for Erika, I was even more excited about what she was getting for me! Here is the package she sent:

Balm Good Enough to Eat (But Don't)! AKA: Surya Brasil Moisturizing Lip Balm

Among many other things, I'm kind of obsessed with lip balms. And who can blame me; dry, chapped, flakey lips are not cute, and I teach my babies that at a young age! The downside to that is even the baby is sort of addicted to lip balm. If any of my girls see me whip out a tube, they all line up and pout their lips to get some too! Even my hubby has a healthy obsession with balm (and trust me, it's a great thing ladies-life is much more fun when your man pays attention to even those little things!). The downside to this household preoccupation with soft puckers, is that we run through tubes quite frequently. Also, particularly with the lil bits showing interest in them, I have to pay special attention to the ingredients list (because let's face it-Lo is putting it on just to lick it off and if Kenzie gets her hand on a tube, she's know to take big honking bites out of it). So considering that my kids are basically eating and digesting lip balm, what I use on them has to be worthy of their diets.

November 2012 MAC Matters Purchase! AKA-It Begins!

Previously on Mama Fashionista...

My fellow Beauty Blog Coalition and Metro Atlanta Beauty Bloggers member, Pammy Blogs Beauty came up with the *genius* idea of doing a monthly blog series where she would, piece by piece, build a "core collection" of makeup basics from MAC Cosmetics. She set a budget of $21 a month (the fee that she was paying for a beauty box subscription that she was canceling) and MAC Matters was born! I immediately wanted to play when I read her post about it (here), so now we will be coordinating our monthly posts, sharing what we have selected each month to build a collection of basics/staples from the popular brand.

Being the eye shadow fanatic that I am, of course my first purchase had to be a great eye shadow shade that could be worn solo, but also would be great with other shades. With my $21, I decided to get All That Glitters, a beautiful warm, beige with a gold pearl sheen (it's a Veluxe Pearl finish, which means that it is a very pigmented formula, with a metallic/pearlescent shimmer). I also chose the Pro Palette Eye Shadow x 4, because I figure that for a well rounded collection, I need at least four basic eye shadow colors, AND it's $3 cheaper to get the Pro Pan Refills as opposed to the regular shadows (though you can't Back to MAC empty pans like these). So I suppose you can look at this as a bit of a hint as to what at least 3 months' worth of purchases will be.

The shadow cost $12 and the palette cost $9, so I used my whole $21 this month. Some months I will purposely spend under my allowance so that I can carry over the remainder for items to be purchased in the following month(s). I'm not going to lie, I sort of have the whole year planned out, but it's a loose plan, so that I can adjust it to fit whatever suggestions I get from you lovelies, as well as to account for items that may scream out to me as necessities in the many Limited Edition collections that MAC puts out (quite frequently). Part of me feels that I should only purchase products that are part of the permanent collection, that way my core collection will be something that is timeless and easy for someone else to replicate. Another part of me just loves pretty makeup and can't make any promises that an LE item may not make it into the bunch at some point. I guess we shall see!

So what do you think of my picks for this month? What do you suggest that I add next month? What would you purchase if you were building a "core collection" of makeup basics from the brand? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don't forget to go see what Pam picked out for her first month in the MAC Matters series! Until next time...

Send Your Tips on a Euro-trip! AKA: OPI's Euro Centrale Collection for Spring/Summer 2013

Classic meets contemporary with Euro Centrale by OPI for Spring/Summer 2013. Celebrating a region where history meets modern design, the collection’s twelve new nail lacquers offer a mixture of glamorous metallic hues; playful bright shades in periwinkle, aqua and pink; and creamy blues in indigo, midnight and aubergine. 

“Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania make up an exciting new fashion hotspot,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “When visiting these countries, you’ll view Gothic churches alongside vibrant graffiti murals, blending two very different aesthetics. This fusion of old and new was also seen in runway looks during New York Fashion Week, where classic styles were reinvented with modern silhouettes and patterns.

The Best Beauty News on the Web! AKA: The BBC Weekly Roundup

Madame B Fatale: Madame B Fatale trials the new Philips Lumea Pricision Plus IPL

Libby's Pink Vanity: Kimberly, from Libby's Pink Vanity, becomes a mad nail polish scientist

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Destany features one of her many Barielle polishes, Let's Tango!

Makeup by Kim Porter: Kim Porter reviews her favorite Real Techniques brushes and she thinks you should try them, too!

TheFabZilla: TheFabZilla celebrates her 2nd year in blogging with a huge giveaway. Win fabulous mix of makeups & accessories. Ends November 20.

BeautyJudy: BeautyJudy had fun playing with Franken-Polish at The Makeup Show Orlando; it's a new product coming soon from Amerikan Body Art!

The Advice Sisters: Sometimess when you are searching for something, you find something else. That seems to be one of the lucky surprises that the biotechnologists at Algenist, experienced. Alison of the Advice Sisters investigates Algenist skin care

Beauty by Miss L: Miss L did cute manicure with 3D metal foil stickers.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Looking for a must-have eyeshadow palette? Lola's Secret Beauty Blog has found it! Say hello to the beauties in Anastasia's Want You To Want Me set!

Spontaneous Chick: Check out our Own Skincare review and then enter to win the entire line.

datyorkLOVES: Charity N.Y.C. New York Color Straw Nails

Midnight Manicures: Find out which Microdermabrasion Scrub that both Mother and Daughter at Midnight Manicures loves best!

Mama Fashionista: It's the season of giving (and receiving)! Mama Fashionista has some great gift ideas from Josie Maran Cosmetics to add to your shopping (or wish) list!

Beauty Info Zone: Are you looking for beautiful yet unusual gifts? If so Beauty Info Zone has some gorgeous mirrors you need to see from Mont Bleu..

Peace Love and Glitter: Use lip liner to change your lipstick color! A fun way to play with your makeup without having to buy anything new!

Pammy Blogs Beauty: Pammy Blogs Beauty continues her Holiday Makeup Shopping Series with her review of Pixi's Early Bird Kit and a preview of other great Beauty Items from Target!

Endless Summer: Elena from Endless Summer enjoys brighter, glowing skin with Sanctuary SPA.

The Beauty Blogazons Weekly Roundup

• The Beauty Delicacy: My cruelty-free October picks for hair, skin care + makeup!
• The Convenient Beauty: The Convenient Beauty isn't feeling the hype of Giorgio Armani Maestro Foundation.
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: The creamy orange of Barielle Joytini is featured on Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom!
• TheFabZilla: TheFabZilla celebrates her 2nd year in blogging with a huge giveaway. Win fabulous mix of makeups & accessories. Ends November 20.
• Très Beau Glamour: Nay Denise has been embarking on a 7 day lipstick challenge, which was quiet fun for her. Her favorite lip look was one that included Mac's Smoked Purple. It's her new perfect "vampy" lip.
• Lacquer Buzz: Is it matte? Is it shiny? Find out how Catrice's new Brushed Metal Effect looks like!
• My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog swatches Chanel Holiday 2012 quad Harmonie Du Soir.
• Mama Fashionista: Mama Fashionista and Pammy Blogs Beauty are starting a brand new series/challenge called "MAC Matters!" See what it's all about (and join in the fun)!
• Love.Life.Beauty.: My picks for the best Holiday 2012 Gift Sets!!!
• Beauty by Miss L: Miss L reviewed monthly subscription box called Adorebox and shared her thoughts of it.
• Midnight Manicures: Join Jeanie at Midnight Manicures as she brings you the second new Barielle Fall/Winter 2012 collection - Times Square.
• Polishy of Truth: Looking for a little something different in a neutral? Polishy of Truth shows you a gorgeous new shade by Elevation Polish that will flatter many skintones!
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Lola's Secret Beauty Blog is crazy about Tweezerman products, but is madly in love with the whimsical and highly effective tweezers and nail files from their Limited Edition Cynthia Rowley Collection!
• Ishah x Beauty: Super cute Hello Kitty holiday collection shoes from JustFab.
• Lisa's Nail Obsession: A comparison of OPI's Did You Ear About Van Gogh? and Essie's Yogaga.
• Polarbelle: Polarbelle has some Mac Cosmetics Glamour Daze eyeshadows to show you this week.
• Baking Beauty: Baking Beauty shows you how to get an easy daytime smoky eye.
• Addicted to OPI-yum: Iovenailpolish got a helping hand naming her very first frankenpolish.
• Beauty Apocalypse: Beauty Apocalypse provides a man's perspective on an Albuquerque day spa!
• Amber Did It!: Amber shares a swatches & a review from Darling Diva Polish.
• datyorkLOVES: Fun twist on a classic manicure.
• Love At First Site!: Latest empties and mini reviews... Avene, Bioten, Caudalie, Fresh Line, Galenic, L'occitane, L'oreal, Lierac.
• SoFlaJo: Celebrate the holidays and well into the new year with the new Party Time collection from indie nail polish maker SoFlaJo.
• The Beauty Think Tank: It's November, and you know what that means, another Birchbox review!
• Beyond Beauty Lounge: Holiday Nail Colors from 365 days of color.
• Lipgloss Break: Angela from Lipgloss Break is giving away Jon Bon Jovi Unplugged Fragrance set - enter to win!
• The Socialite's Closet: Ever wondered about Starbox? The Socialite's Closet shows you hers.
• Cosmetics Aficionado: L'Oreal's The Temptress' Touch nail polish is a golden green gem.
• Peace Love and Glitter: Tarina Tarantino's eyeshadow formula is AMAZING! Check it out in her Emerald Pretty Palette, currently 40% off at Sephora!

Baby, It's Cold Outside! AKA- A Shop With Me LookBook

I don't like the cold, but I like hats and sweaters and boots! Here are a few pieces I'd love to add to my wardrobe to keep things chic even as the thermometer dips. And you can add them to your wardrobe too! Just click on a picture and it will take you right where you need to go to purchase it! I hope you lovelies like my selections and continue to enjoy these "Shop With Me" posts! They're super fun to put together...

Until next time...

Please Take 5 Minutes To Help BlogHer Improve BlogHer TV!

Would you please take a few minutes (no more than 5) to take our survey about watching video online? Your thoughts are so valuable to us and your opinions will help BlogHer.com make better decisions about video content on our site.




Survey Link: https://www.bloghervisionaries.com/R.aspx?a=94

Thanks lovelies!

Great Gift Sets From Josie Maran! AKA: A Gift Guide Part Deux

If you've been a reader for a while, then it's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Josie Maran Cosmetics. So of course I had to mention some of the great gift sets the brand has to offer this holiday season:

Moroccan Bazaar Argan Skin & Hair Bestsellers

The Moroccan Bazaar Argan Skin & Hair Bestsellers ($39 at Sephora) is a set of Josie’s bestselling products for healthy skin and hair. What it does:This must-have set features Josie’s best Argan-infused essentials for lustrous skin and hair. Perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin, this set includes Josie’s 100% Pure Argan Oil, Argan Cleansing Oil, Argan Balm, Whipped Argan Oil, Argan Hair Serum, and Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40, each in a perfectly portable travel size! 

(This would be the perfect introduction for someone who does not know the wonders of Josie Maran Cosmetics and argan oil. I love that it is perfect for traveling as well or pick your can't leave home without it pieces to throw in your purse!)

Moroccan Bazaar Shimmer & Glow Argan Essentials

The Moroccan Bazaar Shimmer & Glow Argan Essentials ($28 at Sephora) is a set of Josie’s must-have products for luminous skin. What it does:Get a glow on the go with a handcrafted Moroccan makeup bag full of Josie’s must-haves for radiant skin. The handcrafted makeup bag was carefully woven in Morocco and supports sustainable employment for artisans. This set includes Josie’s 100% Pure Argan Oil, Argan High Gloss Lip Quench, Argan Illuminizer, and Argan Color Stick in Rosey, all in adorably portable travel sizes. 

(This set is great for the little lady in your life! I'm super picky about the cosmetics I allow my oldest (12 year old) daughter to wear, but I would have no qualms at all about her using the items in this kit. I think it's quite lovely for anyone that is looking to simplify their makeup routine or incorporate more natural pieces to their collection.)

Get Glowing - Argan Beautiful Skin

The Get Glowing - Argan Beautiful Skin ($64 at Sephora) is a five-piece set of Josie’s must-haves for naturally glowing skin. She believes that healthy skin is happy, beautiful skin, and this collection has everything you need to nourish your body and face from the inside out. Explore the versatility of Argan Oil and use it to hydrate and nourish from head to toe. The Argan Balm is a fragrance-free, petroleum-free formula that leaves the skin soft and supple and the velvety body butter soothes skin while indulging the senses. Top it all off with the illuminating powder and a swipe of pretty, pink gloss to complete your gorgeous glow. This set contains an 8 oz. Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter, 0.5 oz 100% Pure Argan Oil, 0.12 oz Argan Natural Volume Lip Gloss in Petal Pink, 0.28 oz Argan Illuminizing Powder, an a 1 oz Argan Balm.

(I'd legit swoon if I received this gift set! The Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter is full sized, and Sephora.com can't keep it in stock! Add to that the powder, balm, and lip gloss-if you can get your hands on this deluxe set, you'll be making someone a very happy camper!)

I hope you lovelies find these guides helpful. I will keep on the look out for goodies, deals, and gift sets from my favorite brands to share, and I hope that you get to take advantage of some of these great deals. This is the perfect time to introduce your loved ones to your favorites or take the opportunity to find a new favorite for yourself! Until next time...

MAC Matters! AKA: A Collaborative New Series with Pammy Blogs Beauty

Color me super stoked! I was scrolling through my Facebook feed, and found an intriguing link from one of my fellow BBC and MABB members, Pammy Blogs Beauty.  She started a blog series entitled: MAC Matters: Build A Core Collection with $21 per month, and I immediately thought "YES!!!! I must do this too!" So with her permission, we are going to do this series/challenge together!

FitFlop Offers Limited Edition Styles for Care International's Charity Auction!

UK luxury footwear brand FitFlop is auctioning off 5 limited edition styles to benefit Care International! There is a shoe designed for every style from studded flats...

...to fringe mukluks...

...to red patent leather sneakers...

Now you can get the look of your fave celeb while supporting a great cause! The auction has launched so don't miss your chance to add to your shoe collection AND make a difference! Follow the link the bid on these great shoes AND donate to a worthy cause: http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=careorg. Until next time...

Redken's Curvaceous Curl Care Line! AKA-A CGC Preview

I will be reviewing the Redken Curvaceous Line soon, so I thought I'd give you lovelies a preview of its goodness! Stay tuned for the full Curly Girl Chronicle review!

Florence Welch's Braided Head Band Up 'Do AKA-Get the Look with Davines

Braids have long been trending in Hollywood (and are always in if you happen to be a mom to little girls). Lately the braids have become more and more creative and intricate, with braided headbands being one of the biggest braided styles to surface recently. Whether your hair is curly or straight, long or short, thin or thick, there is a way to achieve and personalize this great style. Here is an example (and step by step instructions on how to do it) of a gorgeously executed hairstyle that incorporates this popular trend.

Florence Welch (of Florence + the Machine) stunned on both the stage and red carpet at the LACMA 2012 Art + Film Gala.

MC Does Glitter Right (This Time)! AKA: A Preview of the OPI/Mariah Carey Collaboration

OPI announces the launch of eight new limited edition shades inspired and hand-selected by multiple Grammy Award winning recording artist Mariah Carey. These shades include four new OPI Liquid Sand™ lacquers featuring groundbreaking technology for a textured, matte finish infused with reflective sparkle. 

“OPI is extremely excited to work with Mariah,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “She’s very passionate about beauty and her nails in particular. Her music, which includes 18 Billboard No. 1 singles, served as a wonderful inspiration for glamorous, sultry, vibrant colors. 

The Beauty Blogazons Weekly Roundup!

• My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: On mornings when Laura is short on time, she relies on It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye!
• Adore-a-polish: For a slight change of pace, Kristina talks about her VoxBox that she received from Influenster.
• Ishah x Beauty: Want a pretty, soft look for your eyes? Check out the Dueba Max Pure Pink circle lenses.
• Très Beau Glamour: Ever feel like there were no good drugstore moisturizers that really give you that replenished feeling? Nay Denise has found her new holy grail moisturizer. The Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream is simply amazing. Check out her review to find out more about the product.
• Vicerimus : Black or White...and Gold all over! Michael, sorry for the intervention! Vicerimus walks the line in her latest nail art, keeping it laconic but hard not to notice.
• Beyond Beauty Lounge : Fashion Sunglasses From Firmoo Lacquer Buzz: Who doesn't like a bit of glitter on their tips? But be prepared because this blue glitter is spectacular!
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Check out the Ninja Polish Bling! collection at Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom!
• TheFabZilla: It does snow in Hawaii. Find out where plus TheFabZilla's preppin' her body in time for winter with Herbacin natural skincare products
• Beauty by Miss L: Check out Miss L´s Fishscale nails done using 2.5mm micro glitter.
• The Beauty Think Tank: The Too Faced Lash Lining Tool promises eyeliner versatility, but does it deliver? Only TheThink Tank knows!
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Lola's Secret Beauty blog has determined that the Rouge Bunny Rouge Forever Yours…Long-Lasting Lip Pencil in Roald is the perfect shade of mauvey-pink that goes with just about everything!
• Lisa's Nail Obsession: Nails ready-made for a spook-tacular Halloween Night.
• Polarbelle: Polarbelle finds a smooth long lasting delicious nail polish in Pixi Beauty's Classy Cocoa. Mama Fashionista: Don't let the change in weather wreak havoc on your skin! 
• Mama Fashionista has 5 tips (and product suggestions) for keeping your skin fantastic all year long!
• Beauty with a Twist: Given makeup, a few hours and glitter, I turned myself into a Venetian mask.
• Just Skin, Bones, and Nails: Check out this awesome sponge manicure of deadish nails
• Trouble-Maker On Heels: Trouble-Maker on Heels is trying Dazzle Dust by Barry M eye shadow - it's all orange :)
• Love At First Site!: KORRES TONKÁ PURPLE/Dreams Come True and TONKA BROWN/Magic Happens are the names of the two new limited edition fragrances by Korres that promise to take us to magical worlds where dreams come true ... Touché! ;)
• Addicted to OPI-yum: In case you missed the Halloween Blog Party at Addicted to OPI yum, you can still join in the fun!

Brooke Burke's Healthy Snack Behind the DWTS Scene! AKA: Getting My Yummy Mummy On Inspiration

I decided to catch up on Dancing With the Stars and when Lo saw Brooke Burke, she got super excited and said "Look mommy! It's the lady from Modern Family!" (Otherwise known as Sofia Vergara). That is a total compliment!

Anyone that follows her career, can't help but respect Brooke Burke's work ethic. But I think she's particularly admirable to me as a busy mom. How she manages to handle her hectic schedule AND look that fabulous, boggles my mind.

I've watch her videos for Modern Mom on YouTube, so I know that she works out regularly and partakes in a healthy diet with a big focus on moderation. Those are excellent habits to emulate and seeing the snack she chose to enjoy while behind the scenes of Dancing With the Stars (Quaker Oats new Real Medleys  Summer Berry Oatmeal)  helped me to realize how truly doable certain lifestyle changes can be for me too...

Until next time...

Melissa & Doug Terrific Twenty List and Giveaway

In the name of full disclosure, my family does not "do" holidays, BUT, I do enjoy taking advantage of the holiday seasons: the time off from school/work, the emphasis on spending time with your loved ones, and all of the sales!!! So while I won't be celebrating with gift giving on any particular day, I am keeping my eye out for items that my family will enjoy that are specially marked down for the holidays. Case in point: Melissa & Doug's Terrific Twenty. 

Girl, Stop! AKA: The MABB BiWeekly Beauty Question

Have you missed us?! We didn't go into a winter hibernation, although that would have been amazing! Instead, MABB collectively decided to take a mini-break from the bi-weekly questions in order to spend more time with our families over Thanksgiving and to start prepping ourselves for the holiday rush. But now we'll be back to normal for a few weeks! Thanks for your patience and understanding!

- - - - - * - - - - -

Each Wednesday, the Metro Atlanta Beauty Bloggers will answer a beauty-related question just for fun!

This week's question is...

What tops your holiday beauty wish list this year?

Now, I don't do holidays, but I do love all of the palettes and gift sets that the season brings! These are a few of the pretties that I have my eye on. Feel free to add them to your list too!

(photo via apple.com)

...and a MacBook Pro!

 - - - - * - - - - -


Be sure to check out the other Metro Atlanta Beauty Bloggers' answers!

Ashley Elizabeth from Ashley Elizabeth's Beauty Blog
Emma from Manicurity
Harri from TrailerHood Chic
Mandy from MandysSecrets
Missy from Gnarly Gnails
Pam from Pammy Blogs Beauty
Quinn from Mama Fashionista




If you would like to see previous questions and answers, you can do so by viewing the Question Archive here.



If you're a beauty blogger in the Metro Atlanta area and would like to join us, please visit our website! We would love to connect with you!

My Week In Rewind...

(I'm not going to call this a new feature; it's just going to be what it's going to be!)

Sometimes, when I look at my day to day life as a whole, it can seem a bit mundane. But it occurred to me this morning (while luxuriating in the most wonderful bath of pink colored, jasmine and ylang ylang scented water, courtesy of LUSH's Sex Bomb), that if I dissected small facts and occurrences of the week, my life is actually quite eventful, and possibly a good source of entertainment for others (namely, you lovelies). So here goes...

Sex Bomb Bath Bomb from LUSH Cosmetics

The Best Beauty News on the Web! AKA: The Beauty Blog Coalition's Weekly Roundup

• Cinderella is racing to SEPHORA as the first in a series of collections inspired by the Disney Princesses! Blushing Noir reviews & swatches the Midnight Hour Eye Shadow Palette.
• Wanna know about Stila In The Know eyeshadow palette? Check out TheFabZilla's, review, photos and swatches.
• Homemade Dark Red Polish -Crushed Garnets from datyorkloves's blog
• Harshleen from BeautyTidbits spills the beans on her latest lip affair with Secret Agent Beauty's Agent Lips Galore.
• Find out what Obsessive Compulsive Lip Tars are hot-to-trot for BeautyJudy, a beauty blogger obsessed with bold lips this fall!
• The hunt for the perfect powder foundation is over for Sheila of Painted Ladies. Milani Even-Touch is utter perfection!
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog is singing the praises of Anastasia Beverly Hills because their Kisses on My List Vol. 2 Lip Gloss Set is simply stunning!
• Phyrra spends an evening talking beauty with world-renowned Makeup Artists James Vincent & Orlando Santiago.
• The China Glaze Holiday Joy nail polish collection has been released and Polarbelle wants to share her picks and swatches with you.
• Looking for a gift for a fellow makeup lover? My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog shows us the Laura Mercier Deluxe Travel Brush Collection for Holiday 2012!
• Are you looking to revamp your perfume wardrobe for the Fall? Mama Fashionista has 5 great suggestions for scents to keep things hot even in the cold!
• Who wouldn't love the idea of quickly and easily changing your hair color for the night, and washing it out just as easily? Christina from Curls N Pearls reviews a product that claims to do just that - the Kevin.Murphy COLOR.BUG.
• Looking for a stocking stuffer for under $5.00? Pammy Blogs Beauty reviews an adorable Holiday Kit of body products from bodycology
• Is it a primer? An illuminator? A skincare treatment? The Beauty Professor swatches and reviews Le Metier de Beaute cult favorite, Peau Vierge.
• Beauty Info Zone discovers a subscription box from Starlooks that's all cosmetics. A delightful change of pace.
• Elena from Endless Summer shares her Modern 1920's Makeup Look Tutorial
• Alison of the Advice Sisters wants to help you deal with dry skin this Winter, with Dove's new ingredient!
• Check out why Argania 1640 became a new part of Luminous Lacquers daily beauty routine!

Beneath the Glitter-AKA: Be Chic Literate

I'm a bit of a YouTube junkie and one of the first "beauty gurus" that I subscribed to was Elle Fowler, AKA AllThatGlitters21. She and her sister, Blair (JuicyStar07), have built quite an admirable empire, one of their most recent ventures has been a dip into the literary world. Beneath the Glitter is the sisterly duos first book (in what looks to be a series), and is loosely based on their lives. I won't give away the plot line, other than to say that the book deals with the relationship between two sisters as they try to build their business in LA, as well as their interactions with an entertaining cast of friends, pets, and love interests. I tried to keep my expectations low, and truth be told, it took me about 75 pages (and a week and half) to truly get into the book. But once I did get into it, I really got into it and literally couldn't put it down. Once I felt immersed in  the world of the fictional London sisters, I finished the last two thirds of the book in a day and a half (no easy feat for someone with daughters as demanding and talkative as mine). 

I think part of what made Beneath the Glitter entertaining was trying to ascertain how much of the London sisters and their fictional lives was based on the real lives of the Fowler sisters. But outside of that, the story was truly entertaining, even if slightly predictable. There's a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, which serves as the perfect segue to the sister's second book, due out in the summer of 2013. I'm not ashamed to admit, I'm seriously looking forward to seeing what's happening next. Until next time...