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Monday, September 26, 2011

LOOK WHAT'S NOW AVAILABLE AT SEPHORA


JUST IN FROM SEPHORA:

LOOK WHO'S HERE

Meet the elite beauty brands making their big debuts at Sephora.
Shop all new brands >

BEAUTY INSIDERS ONLY: SAMPLE ORIGINS NOW
Online only: Get 7 weeks' worth of an Origin's balancing cleanser. Enter code ORIGINS.*
 
* Enter code ORIGINS in the promotion code box at checkout to receive an Origins Checks and Balances Face Wash (2.5 oz) free with any online merchandise purchase of $25 USD or more. Valid while supplies last. Not valid in retail stores, on previous purchases, or purchases of eGift certificates and gift cards. Offer not valid at Sephora inside jcpenney. Cannot be used in conjunction with other promotion codes. Sephora reserves the right to end or change this promotion at any time.
** Not available at Sephora inside jcpenney. While supplies last.

                                                                                                      

I had been wanting to try out this brand for quite some time but I could never find it in any of my local department stores. So I was pleasantly surprised this past weekend when I received the above message announcing the Origins line would now be carried by Sephora! I absolutely love this and I can't wait to try out their products. Please leave a comment below and let me know what products are the "must haves" from this line so I can be sure to try them too! Thanks and have an AWESOME fun-filled Monday! ♥

WISHLISTS AND GIFTS: A GUIDE TO SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS


September is almost gone and all the big holidays will be here before you know it. If you blink you might miss them cause this year has flown by. I'm still in shock that this year is coming so quickly to a close. For me, this is the time of year that I kick it into overdrive. I start making little mini wishlists of stuff I would want as gifts or might buy if I can catch a break and find the items on sale. I do this for everyone in my family. I find that it helps me to keep track of the really important stuff that each of them might want. So each month up until Christmas I'm going to "TRY" and post weekly / monthly updates.

So here are some tips on how to make the holidays not so stressful:

Start a special savings account for gifts. I start small with $10 to $20 weekly deposits and then depending on the balance at mid-year, I might kick-it up a notch and start putting more money in there if I see that I might come up short. This helps to lessen the burden during the holidays when you should be able to relax and enjoy quality time with friends and family. Also, don't panic if an emergency crops up and you have to dip into the fund, which never fails to happen to me at least once or twice through-out the year. That is why you start early so you have a good bit of money built up and if the unthinkable happens you will have time to replenish it.

Another option, and I'm not saying to do this all the time, is most 401K plans allow you to take a loan out on the money that you have put in there. Depending on the type of 401K account that you have, if there is at least $2,000 or more in the account you can borrow up to half of that balance. The good thing about this option is that you are borrowing your own money and any interest on the loan gets paid back to yourself rather than a bank if you were to take out a bank loan. Also, there might be a one-time processing fee, but most fees are small and will be deducted from the loan amount.  

Start shopping early, and don't wait for the Black Friday sales. Especially if you have small children from about the ages of 3 to 11. When my boys were younger it was so much easier to buy for them. I knew that my oldest loved Lego sets so I would watch for the clearance shelves around June and July because that is when most stores start to clearance items to make room for the pending holidays. I was able to find the big, expensive Lego sets for 50-75% cheaper than the original price. Also, I didn't shop the after Christmas sales either because majority of the items are still way over priced. I waited until the end of January and early February to shop because all of those big expensive, over-priced, must-have toys that all the kids wanted are now way less.

With my youngest son, when he was smaller, he loved action figures, cars and trucks. For him, it wasn't so much a matter of finding stuff on clearance, but finding the items that he wanted early enough before they sold out. I started shopping for him around August and September. Both of these months are the ideal months to shop for those types of toys. Why, you might ask, are those prime shopping months. Because children are going back to school and parents are spending money on school supplies, college tuition, school clothes, etc. Think about it; parents are spending money on all of these items except toys. If you have ever visited the toy section during this time-frame you will find the aisles virtually empty of shoppers. So take advantage of this prime shopping  time and stock up.

For the much older kids, this means the late preteens and teenage years of 12-19 years old, children are easier to buy stuff for but way more expensive. Think iPods, iPads, video games, music cds, movies, clothes, etc. just to name a few and that is just for starters. My children are at this age now and I find that a budget is a must-have when it comes to buying for them. If you don't have a budget you can very easily sink yourself into some serious debt. Also, if your family has been hit hard financially due to the poor economy, share this with your children. Children, especially teenagers, know when their parents are stressed and for the good of everyone in the family, it helps to have an open and honest discussion about finances. Not only does it prepare the children for the realities of life and the uncertainty it can hold, but it will also help them to better understand why they can't have every new video game that comes out. Teenagers appreciate honesty and being treated as more than just a kid. As my children have gotten older, I find that my relationship with my children has improved greatly by following these simple steps. We've learned to work more as a team and to think of others rather than being so focused on ourselves all the time. However, it is good to still spoil them or splurge on them every once in a while.**Please note: It is my opinion only, that the sharing of your family's financial situation, be shared with the older children only and not the much younger ones. However, it is entirely up to you how you handle these types of situations.

I have my children make lists of stuff they want and then rank them according to importance. Starting with the "must-have", "gonna die if I don't get it items" to the "it would be nice to have, but if I don't get it I will still survive" type of stuff. Now I don't try and get everything on their list but I do try to get one or two of the "must-have" items as long as they aren't too expensive. Here again, it is good to keep the lines of communication open and be honest if you can't afford some of the stuff. Another option to consider, is if you have other family members that buy gifts for your children, ask them about pooling resources so you can buy the more expensive gifts together. This way the burden is not on any one individual. Also, if you have a big extended family like we do, to cut done on some of the expense around the holidays, we only buy gifts for the children. The only exception to this rule are the grandparents and single relatives. Reason being, is because grandparents are special and have done so much for us that we want them to know how much we really appreciate them and all the sacrifices that they made for us when we were kids. Single relatives, because the majority of them don't have children and if they don't have a significant other around the holidays, it can be a lonely time of the year for them. It is good to make them feel special as well. After all, they usually buy gifts for your children on their birthdays and holidays so it is especially nice to repay their generosity.

A good place to shop for video games and electronic items is the internet. Every year, I use PriceGrabber, an online price comparison search engine. It looks for the items and lists the stores / websites that have the item(s) and how much it costs. Amazon is another web based store that I shop at frequently. Especially around the holidays because they run special promos and discounts that brick and mortar stores can't match. Another store to shop at throughout the year is Toys-R-Us, especially their online store, right up until Black Friday. The two weeks prior to Black Friday, you will find incredible deals. Such as buy 2 video games and get 1 free for all video game systems. They run these incredible deals to help clear out their current inventory of video games to make room for all of the new releases that will be launched right before Christmas. Another thing I have learned is all the new video game releases that are launched right before Christmas and are priced at $60 and up will drop drastically in price if you wait a few weeks after the holidays. Trust me, I know! Nothing is more depressing than seeing a video game you just spent $60 on when it first released and it is now on sale for half that price after Christmas. For those types of games, cash gifts go a long way. Then you can find out how badly your child really wanted that "must-have" video game when they have to pay for it with their Christmas money. LOL. **This is one area that I will definitely be posting additional blog updates so keep checking back for more!

Get your children, friends, and other family members involved in the whole gift hunting / buying process. Even though I live two states away from my family, they are my go-to source when I am trying to find hard to get items. I enlist the help of my co-workers even. It is like a huge scavenger hunt and it is actually quite a lot of fun. We all share are lists and try to help each other out as much as possible.

Anyway, these are just some basic guidelines to help you survive the holidays without going into debt. Whether or not they work for you is all up to how organized you are and how much time you really want to invest in the whole shopping experience. For me, this works, and I find that my kids have a really great time during the holidays which is worth it. Like I said before, I will try to post additional tips and strategies throughout the year so keep checking back or subscribe so you don't miss out on anything!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

JEWELMINT: LOVE THAT BINDS BRACELET

Show off your love for fashion with this rose gold wrist adornment. A modern take on the sign language gesture for lover, this mesh bracelet features an O-ring and two hand shaped buckles. Our 7 ¼” piece fastens with a box clasp for a seamless look. Slip on this bracelet as a symbol of your everlasting affection for all things chic.





This rose gold "Love That Binds" bracelet has been on my wishlist for quite some time. I love the classic look and feel of the bracelet and to me it just screams elegance. Well, I had already purchased my JewelMint selection for the month of August but I really loved this bracelet. So much so that I went ahead and made another order for August. If you are not familiar with JewelMint and the whole process you can read my earlier post about it here. Or click on this referral link to sign up right now.

Anyway, I purchased the bracelet at the end of August. I know, I know, I could have used it as my September purchase but I really wanted it and I'm not a very patient person either! Ha Ha! Seeing as how I already had my heart set on this piece, I placed the order later that evening after making sure it was still in stock. However, silly me, forgot about having to go out of town the week that the bracelet was suppose to ship and deliver. So I asked a neighbor to keep an eye out for the package. The end of my trip couldn't get here fast enough. I was so excited to try it on. It felt like it was my birthday or Christmas!

Oh my, the bracelet was so gorgeous. It was everything that I imagined except for it being broken and to small. LOL. I have to laugh because I was so over the moon about this bracelet and here it is and I can't even wear it. Oh, how disappointing! I was utterly heartbroken. What was I going to do? Will they accept returns? Can I even return it?

The next day I contacted Customer Service at JewelMint and explained my situation. The Customer Service Rep. that I spoke with was extremely friendly and very helpful. She explained that all original packaging had to be returned along with the broken bracelet. I could choose to receive a replacement bracelet or they would issue a credit to my account once they had received the bracelet back. Oh, and you mustn't have worn the jewelry either; which I hadn't, so no problems there. I opted for the later, and asked for my account to be credited seeing as how the bracelet was too small anyway, which I'm still a little disappointed about.
 
Even though this purchase didn't turn out the way that I expected it too, I consider it to be a success and I will continue to recommend JewelMint to both my friends and family. I would love to hear from any of you that have ordered from JewelMint and how your experience was with them. Did you have any problems? Did you receive the same excellent Customer service that I did with my purchase? Please share your story with us.

Check back later when I post my September JewelMint purchase. Is it going to be a ring this time, or another necklace, or maybe a bracelet??? I guess you will have to wait and see.....  

Saturday, September 17, 2011

AUGUST JEWELMINT: HERE TO ETERNITY SET


True love knows no bounds, and our love for fashion is no exception! This delicate three-tier design measures 16 ½” and includes a 3” extender. Our rose gold-plated and 14k gold-plated design features a double weaver’s knot, a Love charm, and a pavĂ© crystal bar. Pair this piece with matching rose gold heart studs for a finishing touch.






I'm a little late in posting this but for my August JewelMint purchase I bought the "Here to Eternity" set.  If you want to know more about JewelMint you can check it out here. Or click on this referral link to sign up right now. Now on to the good stuff!

I love how this necklace gives the illusion of three different necklaces but it is only the one. This type of necklace will dress up any outfit or it can be worn with jeans for a more casual look. The one thing that I love most about this set is the combination of the gold and the rose gold colors. It is this combo that allows the wearer to pair other coordinating pieces of jewelry in either of the golds which makes this set a very versatile and worthwhile purchase.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

MAC POSH PARADISE


Succumb to temptation in a Paradise that invites taboo encounters. Rare and exotic, these delights are divine; fig leaves meet fashion beneath a jungle canopy where Seeds of Desire sprout. Discover Unknown Pleasures with lavishly lush Nail Lacquers and Mattene Lipsticks. Semi-matte lips get ultra-pure colour in a slinky, slither-smooth formula that feels as light on the lips as lust. Trespass tantalizingly with pearlized Paint Pots in shades that create seamless coverage while blending smoothly over the lids. Indulge yourself with a plush, posh and provocative collection of hypnotic hues!


M·A·C Posh Paradise Available September 15, 2011 through November 10, 2011.


MATTENE LIPSTICK
Naked Bliss Neutral light pink
Rare Exotic Bright mid-tone blue pink
Legendary Mid-tone brick red
Unknown Pleasures Deep red blue
Seeds of Desire Deep brown plum
Eden Rouge Bright blue-red
Delectable Orange-beige
Potent Fig Deep blue grape
Deliciously Forbidden Midtone berry
Fresh Amour Light lavender
$14.50 U.S./$17.50 CDN
PAINT POT
Treasure Hunt Light pearled yellow
Half-Wild Mid-tone purple
Hyperviolet Deep violet
Nubile Light peachy nude
Idyllic Mid-tone copper bronze
Genuine Treasure Reflects antique gold
Pure Creation Mid-tone frosty blue
Imaginary Blackened navy
$17.50 U.S./$21.00 CDN
NAIL LACQUER
Immortal Gold Pale gold
Rain of Flowers Blackened violet with sophisticated violet shimmer
$15.00 U.S./$18.00 CDN
Available:
North America September 15, 2011 at all M·A·C locations
International October 2011 at all M·A·C locations
1.800.588.0070 and www.maccosmetics.com

Free Second Day Shipping on your next order. Use code POSH

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I love paint pots so I will definitely pick up a few of these from this collection. If you try to order from MAC's website, the majority of the paint pots are already sold out. However, most counters will debut this collection today so you will still have a chance to purchase them.
I will be posting a review once I've had a chance to try them out. Leave a comment below and let me know if you are planning on getting anything from this collection. Happy Shoppping! ♥

Thursday, September 8, 2011

CHANEL: Chance Eau Tendre Sheer Moisture Mist

Midsummer Night's Dream

A warm evening. A luxuriously long bath. And then, before you slip into your silk shift (or your ten-year-old terry robe), you spritz a veil of jasmine and skin-softening moisturizers on your arms and décolletage. Light and subtle, Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Sheer Moisture Mist is one cool way to be unmistakably, gorgeously hot.

$40 for 3.4 ounces; Chanel.com

The fruity tenderness of Chance Eau Tendre is reimagined in a refreshing after-bath indulgence; its sensuous mist leaves skin delightfully scented and velvety-soft
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I'm really curious as to how long the moisture mist will last. Typically a body spray, which is what I consider these to be, albeit a bit more expensive one at that, will last me throughout the day. Unless of course I am doing some type of activity that requires a lot of physical exertion. If that is the case, then I usually get about 3-4 hours wear time before the scent starts to fade or disappears completely.

Although working in an office environment a person doesn't really work up to much of a sweat. Unless of course there is filing of papers involved or running errands for work. Then I will freshen up with a perfume sample. I like to keep the perfume samples with me at work for such an occasion. The samples are also really nice to have if I get invited out for drinks after work and I don't have time to run home and freshen up.

Anyway, once I have an opportunity to purchase these I will be sure to do a more in depth review. So be sure to check back! ♥

Thursday, September 1, 2011

CHANEL: LES JEANS DE CHANEL WAITLIST



CHANEL

NAIL IT DOWN!

Industry insiders, beauty bloggers and lovers of LE VERNIS: the wait is
almost over. LES JEANS DE CHANEL, three denim-inspired nail shades
created in celebration of Fashion's Night Out, will debut shortly and be
on offer for an extremely limited time.

JOIN THE WAITLIST NOW
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I'm so excited for these polishes. Sign up here so that you can purchase them as soon as they are available.

In the past, Chanel polishes have been a hit or miss with me. I've bought Rose Confidential and it lasted at least a week on my fingers and toes. However, Morning Rose, another Chanel polish, didn't make it past the second day before it started chipping. So I'm not going to write off Chanel polishes just yet.

Check back when I do a full review on the LES JEANS DE CHANEL polishes.