30 Day Music Challenge- Day 3: A Song That Makes You Happy

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There was a time when I was a huge music snob. It started my first year of college, when I really got into indie music. If something I was listening to got popular, I dropped it like a bad habit. Especially if a song from a band I loved ended up in a commercial. That was it. We were over. I had no time for sell outs only interested in 'commercial success'. Not that that is what any of them were, the were likely only trying to, you know buy food, pay rent and be able to... I don't know, LIVE.

I am a handful of years older now, and have seen the error of my ways. I am no longer a music snob... to that degree anyway. I used to listen to Lana Del Rey in secret though... Her whole shtick  kind of pissed me off (hello, what the hell was that SNL performance about?) but you have to give it to her. She's got some catchy tunes. Which brings us to today's challenge theme: A song that makes you happy.

DS Laboratories Revita High Performance Hair Stimulating Shampoo and Revita.COR Conditioner

I've always found reviewing fragrance and mascara to be tricky. They're just such personal items. A review is helpful, but only to a certain degree, you really only know what you're working with until you work with it for yourself. You know? I think I'll add shampoo/conditioner to the list. Although tricky, it's tricky for another reason: there isn't a whole lot you can say about shampoo and conditioner. That, and there are only so many ways to photograph bottles, before they just look like the same bottle, shot from twenty different angles.

30 Day Music Challenge- Day 2: Least Favourite Song

 

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Coloured vinyl seriously makes my heart skip a beat! I have a mighty fine record collection, but only have one, ONE coloured record. It's translucent red. It's a shitty record, that I've never listened to (some Bryan Adams, from the 80's) but I keep it 

a) Because it's red, and that is pretty awesome. RED, people!

b) My dad bought it for my mom. 

She's never listened to Bryan Adams either, and thought it was the dumbest thing to be given, but I'm thinking my dad probably bought it because it was red too. 

Today's challenge is an odd one: Your least favourite song. What? I initially was going to just pick a song I hate, which, let's just say I'd have a lot to choose from, but then I took the time to really think about the challenge. Least Favourite. Huh... 

NOTD: Misa Break Away

Somebody didn't do any blog prep over the weekend, and now only has a bunch of half ready posts... I totally thought I was more organized for this week. Turns out, I'm not.

I do however have one very pretty polish, Misa Break Away, from their fall 2012 collection Wanderlust. Care to take a peek?

30 Day Music Challenge- Day 1: Your Favourite Song

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A few days ago, I stumbled upon the 30 Day Music Challenge. It seemed like a fun little way to share a bit of one of my other loves obsessions, with all of you. As much as I love beauty, skincare and nail polish, I might just love music more. Maybe.

When I saw that this was labeled as a challenge, I thought, how can a little list of 30 songs be challenging? Well, when you love music, choosing only one song for each category is excruciatingly difficult. Like day one: Your Favourite Song. That in itself is crazy. How can you pick one song to be your favourite?

Super Coconut Quench Hydration Mist

Oh boy ladies, I'm super bummed now that I know for certain the Super line has been discontinued (for more details, see this post.) I've finally gotten around to using the collections I picked up (months ago) and have come to love them, only to find out they're disappearing. It's so sad!

My hands down favourite item, is, by far, the Coconut Quench Hydration Mist. I love mists, but this one certainly brings it. I've managed to find one place still that still has some stock available. Read on, and maybe I'll share what I know. Maybe....

Super Bright Eyed Eye Cream

I don't know if the scenario I'm about to describe is only unique to beauty bloggers, but I find myself picking up items when they're on sale, and stashing them away for when I run out of whatever I'm using. Seems like a good plan, but all too often more products get accumulated between them and before you know it you've forgotten you even had it. Ugh.

I ran out of eye cream a while ago, and ended up uncovering Super Bright Eyed in my stash. I picked up a set of Super products... a while ago, when The Shopping Channel first introduced them. When I started getting this post together I discovered it seems to be disappearing. I haven't be able to find out if it's full on discontinued or not, but it doesn't look like it's readily available. We all know there are ways to find anything (even if it has been discontinued) if you look hard enough, so I figured I'd continue on with my review.

 I sent Super an email to see what they had to say about availability, so I'll update as soon as I hear anything. UPDATE: I got a very nice email from Perricone MD. customer service, and the Super line has in fact been discontinued. Wah, waahhh.

Anyway, let's take a look!

Avon Eyeshadow Primer

I remember the day I first used Urban Decay Primer Potion. It was magical. I vowed that from that day forward, I would be a loyal UDPP user. Fast forward a few years, and I still am, but a few months ago, it seemed like my little buddy wasn't working quite as well as it always had. I had a sit down with it, had a little talk with it, and decided we needed a break. It's not me, it's him. I just need some to time to see what else is out there. You know?

It may seem harsh, but it had to be done. One of the new primers I've been seeing experimenting with has been Avon's Eyeshadow Primer. I figured since I had such good luck with their cream shadow formula, there was a good chance this primer could deliver.

CLOSED Valentine's Giveawy: Win an Ed Hardy Gift Set!

February is approaching, people. Did you notice? January seems to be on warp speed...

Anyway, that day (ahem...) is also approaching. Love it or hate it, it rolls around every year. I've never had an amazing Valentine's Day, memorable ones, for sure, but not amazing ones. But those are stories for another day; today I've got a nice little surprise that one lucky lady could take home.

Born Pretty Store: Heart Shape Nail Art Studs

Hearts! It may be an exceptionally girly thing to love, but I do. A little heart motif here and there is never a bad thing in my opinion. I think it That's why I was so excited to try these little heart studs from Born Pretty Store. These golden studs are a quick (and relatively easy!) way to inject a little bit of cute into any manicure.

mark. Touch and Glow Warm Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes and What a Gem Face Brush

Continuing on with the Jewel Shine Collection- fragrance here, gloss here; are two more shiny new products. Shiny, a little bit blingy, and of course more rose gold. I'm beginning to think you can never have too much rose gold. Like, ever!

Let's fast forward through the intro and get right to the goods...

mark. Glimmer Shine Lip Gloss

To coincide with the release of the Jewel Shine fragrance (review here) mark. also released a Jewel Shine makeup collection. Over the next few days I'll be reviewing some of the other items, but today we have the gloss, Glimmer Shine gloss to be exact!

Let's get to the goods, shall we?

Mark. Jewel Shine Eau de Parfum and Body Lotion

Holy Snow, Batman! I don't know about the spot you call home, but the snow seems to be accumulating at an ever increasing rate here. Considering last week at this time there was no snow to be seen anywhere- an anomaly not usually seen north of Toronto- it's actually quite pleasant. Well, as pleasant as -10 degree weather that feels like -20 can be. To take my mind off the chilly weather, I've got a new little fragrance and matching body lotion. Okay, so they won't replace a thick cozy sweater and big mug of tea (English Breakfast, please!), but they do make me pretty happy.

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer and Dual Airbrush Brush

It Cosmetics is one of those brands that I know of, have a few items, but I don't tend to remember it. Sorry, It, but it's true. I've been more than happy with everything I've tried from the brand, but I just end up forgetting about it. I got a little mailer from The Shopping Channel today (Canada's QVC or HSN) featuring the brand and the next batch of items they'll be showcasing. I got all excited about the next Showstopper- the deal of the day, which is always majorly discounted- as it contains a heap of new It products and two brushes. I know I'll be tuning in to check it out.

Anyhow, the mailer reminded me of It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye concealer. I've been holding onto these photos for months now. I just wasn't that enthused about reviewing it, I guess. I don't know why, as it is one doozy of a concealer.

Born Pretty Store: Glow in the Dark Nail Polish

When I was a kid, and in all honesty, maybe even now, there were two things I clearly remember loving. One being anything personalized, which is a heartbreaking ordeal when you have the name Bailey in the early nineties- we're talking pre- Party of Five here people. I was nineteen before I ever saw anything with my name on it. And yes, I bought it, and was giddy about it for weeks. My second love was anything glow in the dark. What's not to love? I remember one particularly rowdy sleepover when someone brought glow-sticks.  I don't know exactly what went down, but I ended up with a glow splattered room. It ended up lasting for about a week. I also had glow in the dark hair clips, which I forgot glowed until a boy-girl party that resulted in blackout tag (all the lights out in a windowless basement, a dangerously good time.) A befuddled me couldn't figure out why I was continually 'it'.

Anyhow, when I was offered to review a few items from the Born Pretty Store and saw glow in the dark polish as one of my options, I couldn't resist.

NOTD: Savina Purple Hologram

Want to know what I hate? Tumblr. Okay, I don't hate it, but I hate how you end up seeing something amazing but there ends up being no source. You click on the image, only to be bounced around from one Tumblr page to another and yet, you still can't find the info you're after. That is what happened to me a month or so ago when I first stumbled up a swatch of Savina's Purple Hologram.

Of course, when it comes to a polish I want, I tend not to stop searching until I find a way to make it mine. Luckily I was able to find one! Want to see more?

I Love My Post Blog Hop!

Welcome to the I Love My Post blog hop where we invite you to link up your favourite post of the week, to show it off and hopefully receive some love from the others partaking in the hop! If you are yet to participate in a hop they are really simple to get the hang of all you need to do is 'hop' around, hopefully finding some new great reads!    The Rules are simple. 1. Check out and follow the hosts (Number 1 2 3 4 5 and 6) Leave them a comment if you would like them to follow back. 2. Choose at least 3 other blogs and hop on over and leave them some love, plus let them know how you found them - I'm sure they would love it if you followed as well! 3. Have Fun and come back next Saturday. Please just don't link up and click off to make this successful everyone needs to hop around!   Your Host’s this week are: Sarah from Life in a Break Down Bex from Futures and our lovely co-host’s are: Bailey from I Know All The Words  Melanie from Keep It Fun And Simple Jean from What Jean Likes Carrie from Days with Dylan and KC Sunshine   If you would like to be a future co-host please get in touch with Sarah by emailing her at: sarah@lifeinabreakdown.com I would love it if you would tweet, share on facebook or place our button on your blog, the more sharing we can get happening the bigger this hop can become!   <center> <a href="http://www.lifeinabreakdown.com/"> <img src=" http://imageshack.us/a/img268/1971/ilovemypostnew.jpg" /></a></center>   Thank you too all of you who made sure you actually followed the hosts and co-hosts last week! Say hello to the lovely Carrie from Days with Dylan and KC Sunshine our Featured Blogger of the Week!  

  She blogs about her life, her kids, being a Mum - her posts are full of the cutest pictures of her little ones, great recipes, hints and tips on staying organised and getting messy (yes I know it's not from this week but Oh My how fun does it look!). ~ Sarah If you fancy being next week’s featured blogger make sure you follow all the rules give you hosts and co-hosts a follow and Sarah could be calling on you next week to come and feature with us.  

Get Healthy Looking Nails with Avon Nail Experts

Oh, nails! I know I love mine, but often times, okay, most of the time, I am not exactly kind to them. From layers of chemical ridden polishes, bashing them a bit too enthusiastically on the ol' keyboard, souring dishes in excruciatingly hot dishwater, to simply giving them a good bang about and using them as little tools (seriously though, sometimes a nail just gets the job done!) they do indeed take a beating.

Those little guys defiantly deserve a bit of love and special attention every now and then, and thanks to the masterminds behind Avon's Nail Expert line, I have all the tools to get the job done right- and in just four easy steps!

True Blue Spa Shea Cashmere Glossing Cream

I have had pretty much every length hair throughout my life. From super long to super short and everything in between. You'd think that would mean I might have a bit of skill styling my hair. You'd be so completely wrong. I have ZERO skill with anything hair related. Well, I can cut/trim my own bangs, and once even my own hair ( it looked pretty good, but I do no recommend it) but that's beside the point. I've mastered the pony tail and .... yeah that's pretty much the only 'skill' I posses.

 I also take a pretty natural route when it comes to styling. I usually don't use anything other than the occasional spritz of hairspray. That's not to say I don't buy various styling products. They just don't always get used. I have good intentions when I purchase them, like the Sally Hershberger products I bought to compliment my new layered cut. I grew out that cut almost two years ago now and have yet to use any of the products. I just don't have the knack when it comes to knowing what works for my hair.  It's a mixed bag: overall thick, but the hair itself is fine, tangles easily, and a fair amount of natural waviness. Overall, no major woes, but it's fun to seek perfection, which always leads to another product.... Like True Blue Spa Shea Cashmere Glossing Cream.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Shadow Pencils

I've had a major influx of products pass over my desk the past few days, on top of the box of items I already have waiting for their moment in the spotlight. You know what that means? Clean up time! I don't know how other bloggers like to organize for upcoming posts, but I like to take batches of photos at once, organize them into separate files and store those in one big 'To Blog' file. That way, when I set out to 'work' (whether that be editing photos, or prepping a post) everything is there waiting for me. It's a great system, for the most part... Sometimes products get left behind. New exciting items get pushed up and others are left to gather virtual dust. From time to time, I abandon such items, their time has passed, but that's mean, and I end up feeling bad about.

Today brings us one of the dust collectors. I've had these photos for almost a year now, and while I do love the product, they just got overlooked. Anyhow, let's take a look!

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream

I've been using BB creams for... a while. I'm so specific, but before North American versions started popping up at least. I was quite excited, way back then, at the prospect of having easier access to variations of the product I'd come to love. You know where this is going, don't you? I've yet to be thrilled with the majority of the domestic BB creams. They just don't don't live up the Asian formulas. Does that stop me from trying them though? Of course not. I cling to the hopes that someone might just crack the code and get it right.

I'd heard a lot of positive buzz regarding Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB Cream. It seems like a lot of ladies really get on with it. My little touch of British phraseology there, as I'm currently watching the Graham Norton Show. I've been using this off and on for month's and thought I'd better get a review at least in draft before I finish it off.

Yves Rocher Colours Nature Eyeshadow- Taupe Bruyere

I've realized, that before I started blogging, I under-appreciated taupe. It's true. I just didn't give it the love it deserves. I've seen the error of my ways, and now give all my love and devotion to the little guy. Really, who can't love taupe? The blend of gray and brown can be interpreted in many ways, but more often that not, it's all kinds of gorgeous. That was why I just had to try Yves Rocher Colours Nature eyeshadow single in Taupe Bruyere. I tend to opt for palettes more than singles, but this shade called to me. Just look at it...

Clarins HydraQuench Cream Mask

I love 'treatments' from scrubs, serums, peels and masks, I'll try them all. Masks especially, though. There is just something about the whole process of a mask that is both rewarding and relaxing. Lately, I've been giving a lot of love to a mask that I've had for some time, but never really got in the habit of using: Clarins HydraQuench Cream Mask*.

Marcelle Eyeshadow Quad- Sundance

Happy Monday, Blog fans! I had a lazy weekend, but I did do something so gratifying, I'll be on an extended high for days: I finally organized/updated my itunes and ipod! Since changing computers (almost a year ago, it's been a long time coming...) I hadn't cleaned up all the songs that ended up being labeled as 'unknown album/artist'. Somehow I still had some missing music, so I had a little download session and now have all my old favourites and a batch of new albums to love. Exciting! Annnd, I finally added album images to every album. I have a fairly large music collection, and about half were missing art. It's such a small thing, but it drives me slightly crazy when it's blank. You know? Or am I the only one who obsesses about that sort of thing....

Anyhow, before I got knee deep in itunes, I took a moment to swatch Marcelle's Sundance eyeshadow quad. I've been using it for a while and thought I should share before it gets too grubby looking.

Preview: OPI Great and Powerful Oz Collection

I don't tend to post a lot of press releases, but when this one appeared in my inbox, I was quite intrigued. As a kid, I absolutely LOVED The Wizard of Oz, so that connection alone made me a bit fluttery. I still don't know how I feel about the whole 'wet sand' trend. I have yet to try one; I don't know if the texture will work for me, but the one featured in this collection does look promising.

Care to take a peek?

Cover Girl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm- Apricot Twist

Who can resist the siren call of a new lip product? That's right, no one. Okay, okay, there are flaws to my previous statement, but anyone who has taken the time time to read this probably knows where I'm going with this. The allure of a 'new' lip product is something I quite enjoy. Will it be all sorts of amazing, or all kinds of bleck? It's always a gamble, but that is half the fun.

I decided to take a little gamble with one of Cover Girl's newest offerings, their Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balms. The verdict?.... Read on to find out!

Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Cream Cleanser and Night Cream

For years I thought I had terrible skin. I admit that I can be an extremely judgmental person, but my skin really was never that bad. I've come to realize that I fall into the decent - good category, and given the right products, I can almost fall into the great- 'I hate you category'... almost. The thing is, I seem to suffer from a sort of skincare self sabotage. When my skin gets to be looking great, I get a bit over confident and then get lax with my routine and eventually back slide to just okay skin. Who wants just okay when you can have fabulous? Riiight?!

Lately, I've been very diligent with my skincare routine. Two major players have been Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Cream Cleanser and Night Cream.

Revlon Selects: Revlon Nail Art Moon Candy in Orbit

I've been such an absentee blogger... I had envisioned spending the bulk of the holidays just blogging through a stash of product back log, but you know what? I didn't (obviously). I went completely lazy bones, and did... pretty much nothing, and it was all sorts of awesome. I hope everyone had an amazing holiday! I did, and managed to play with a few few nail polishes, one being 'Orbit' from Revlon's Moon Candy collection.