What's in my beach bag [and NOTW]

Unfortunately the summer is coming to an end, and this is a very late post. However, I finally got myself to the beach and I figured I would give you a peek into what I bring for my basic, bare minimum essentials.

I have a 6 year old so most of the things I bring to the beach are pails and shovels, so here is what I stick in the bag to stay comfortable and enjoy the day along with my little one.

The wicker/bamboo bag is SEASONS old, but it works and it's beachy so I still use it.

Looking into getting a Victoria's Secret Pink one for next summer :]

So, in my bag is:

- my inhaler [if I do a little too much underwater swimming]

- a Dovebody mist [gotta be fresh]

- my phone

- a camera

- facial wipes [they are so refreshing]

- my 50 spf Chapstick [ever had burned lips? I have. OUCH.]

- a mini pouch for cash, keys, whatever.

- a hair tie

- a hair clip

- an spf lipstick [i have Stila's "Charlotte"]

- a towel

That's what I bring to the beach with me. I feel like it's everything I need and I'm not lugging around a 50lb bag! I feel like most people bring the same things.

Now, my nails of the week!

Revlon's "Dreamer"

It's a slightly deeper sky muted blue. I've had it on my nails for a week and I have no chips.

I'm having really good luck with Revlon's nail polishes, they are staying looking freshly painted for a week if not longer. I know it's the polish because it's the only thing that changes when I do my nails.

I'm impressed :]

I can't wait to start bringing out the fall polishes. What are your favorite fall nail colors?

I hope you all had a fab week, and an even better weekend!

Lots of Love,

XOXO Mary

DIY lipstain?! YES.

Tonight's Quickie Post!

You can make a lip stain at home.
Yes, I said at home.

This is so easy, I don't know why my brain didn't piece this together ages ago.

You need 2 things.
Vaseline & Kool-Aid.

1 teaspoon of desired color Kool-aid
3 teaspoons Vaseline

Directions :
Mix a smidge of water and the drink mix together until the mix is completely dissolved, stir in Vaseline until smooth.

Try it. It's really cool once you do!

So I put the whole concoction in a recycled Carmex jar and now it’s all ready to be added into a makeup collection.

Goodnight and be Kool!

Lots of Love,
XOXO Mary

Liebster Award!

Happy Monday! Hopefully no one has the Monday blues too bad ;]

 

Today I was left a comment by the sweet and very talented http://3girlsblog.blogspot.com/ that she was nominating me for the Liebster Award. I had no idea what it was, so let me explain it just in case you don't know either! So, it is an award for new bloggers with less than 200 followers. I think it's a really cute award, and a way for bloggers and readers alike to find new and interesting people in our beauty/blogging community!

 

There are rules to this award, so without further ado -

 

- Each person must post eleven things about themselves.

- Answer the eleven questions the tagger has set for you.

- Choose eleven people and tag them in this post.

- Follow the tagger and visit at least three nominees.

 

 

Onto the answers!

 

11 Things About Me

 

I play Call of Duty Modern Warfare like it's my job [my GT on xbox is MiSSMARY921]

I have a 7 year old daughter named Julia.

I'm kind of addicted to changing my hair all the time.

My eyes turn gold when I'm upset. [they are normally a light brown]

I like extra cheese and pepperoni on my pizza.

I hate mountainous lake landscapes.

I'm afraid of the dark.

I've never been in a car accident. [knock on wood]

I've had ankle reconstruction surgery.

I'm engaged to a car salesman.

I've gotten tattooed 3 times but have 2 tattoos [coverup, haha]

 

 

The questions http://3girlsblog.blogspot.com/ asked the girls she nominated to answer are:

 

1. What is your favorite band/musical artist?

- I love everything. But I could listen to My Chemical Romance for the rest of my life and be fine.

2. What inspires you?

Other people. Stories. Pictures, the internet... really anything I see and find interesting. All types of media.

3. What is your favorite makeup product?

Mascara!

4. What are your favorite colors to use on your eyes?

Bronze, Gold, Purple, Dark Blue.

5. What is a trait that bothers you most in other people?

Innability to make up one's mind. And lying.

6. What is ONE country (that you've never been to), that you would like to visit?

Italy!

7. If you were going to lose one of your 5 senses and you had the choice which to lose, which would it be and why?

Taste, I feel like you can't go wrong with that one. It's super objective anyway ;]

8. What do you like most about yourself?

My imagination.

9. What do you like least about yourself?

My imagination.

10. What is your favorite season?

FALL!

11. Do you have a guilty pleasure? What is it?

A chocolate frosted donut with rainbow sprinkles from Dunkin' Donuts.

 

Now, on to the bloggers I would like to nominate:

[i'm not sure if you can nominate your nominator but i'm going to do it]

 

http://3girlsblog.blogspot.com/

http://hairandmakeupoverload.blogspot.com/

http://flairbybrandi.blogspot.com/

http://amaliasdior.blogspot.com/

http://in-the-pink-fog.blogspot.com/

http://girlfriendsarelikeshoes.blogspot.com/

http://beautyorswaag.blogspot.com/

http://beautybarbie16.blogspot.com/

http://curvaciousgoddess.blogspot.com/

http://getitgirlglam.blogspot.com/

http://kattatonic.blogspot.com/

 

HERE ARE THE QUESTIONS FOR YOU GUYS!

 

1. What's your sign?

2. What side of the bed do you sleep on?

3. Makeup item you could not live without?

4. Cats or Dogs?

5. What makes you unique?

6. What is your favorite holiday?

7. Why do you love blogging?

8. Favorite candy?

9. What color are your sheets?

10. What is your favorite store to shop in?

11. Gold or silver?

 

So there you go! Thank you 3girlsblog ~ I love you all!

 

Lots of Love,

XOXO Mary

Tag! Most Worn Things - Summer 2012

I love this tag! I see it all the time on youtube and the fabulous and amazing Samantha Schuerman tagged all of her subbies to do this tag. Since I don't have a youtube channel that I post videos on, I've decided to take the blog route - I'll be answering the questions and inserting pictures~

I tag all of you to do it as well, and if you do, leave it as a comment so I can check it out. I'm always down to read other blogs and get other ideas for makeup! Who isn't?!

Here is Sam's original video if you haven't seen it yet :)

Alright, on with the questions ~

1. Most Worn Nail Polish: Sinful Colors "Easy Going"
[i love this color. it goes awesome with a tan and it gives your nails a very 'clean' look]

2. Most Worn Hair Product: The whole Dove Nourishing Care Line
[my hair has never been softer or smoother. great for post-pool hair]
- read my review on the leave-in spray here -

3. Most Worn Bag: My DKNY metallic wristlet
[great for bringing just the essentials to the pool, beach, anywhere!]

4. Most worn Shoes: Old Navy flip-flops
[super cheap, basic flip-flops. every single color you can imagine, i'm partial to black]

5. Most Worn Accessories: Diamond studs and my sideways cross bracelet
[i like having everyday jewelry. jewelry i never take off. makes accessorizing easy]

6. Most Worn Clothing Item: Old Navy lounge shorts
[i have them in white, black and coral. easy to pair with a cute tank and you're done]







7. Most Worn Foundation: None!
[maybe a little concealer, but a huge noooooooo to foundation in the summer]



8. Most Worn Blush/Bronzer: Smashbox Softlights Bronzer
[i use bronzer as a blush in the summer. i'm not any sort of blush fanatic year round either]

9. Most Worn Lip Product: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lip Stain in 'Honey'
[i really don't like things on my lips either, so this is perfect and the color stays ALL day]

10. Most Worn Mascara: L'Oreal Carbon Black Curved Brush
[all time love. and it curls my lashes since i don't. my lashes grow better when i don't]

11. Most Worn Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked Palette
[depending on my mood, i wear a highlight, a whole look or nada]

Ta-da! There are my answers :]

I really hope you guys do it too,

this was kind of fun!

Lots of Love,

XOXO Mary

Too Faced Lemon Drop Review and NOTW!

Happy Sunday my loves!

Today I am going to post my thoughts on Too Faced's new Shadow Insurance in Lemon Drop and show you my nails of the week!

The new Shadow Insurance Lemon Drop Color Correcting Eye Shadow Primer is quickly becoming my favorite shadow primer. I still love, love, love the original Shadow Insurance, however I find myself reaching for this one more.

This primer has a lemon yellow color to it that is supposed to reduce redness and "ruddiness" while making your shadows vibrant and budge proof. I agree.

The yellow really does help the veining and the natural darkness I have on my lids [thanks Italian dad!]. The primer is actually yellow, and dries to a smooth, SLIGHT shimmery finish. Unless someone is examining your eyelid, it's barely detectable. However, golds and highlight colors do seem to look more amazing on top of it.

Fun Fact: While I was playing around with it, I decided to see how it would act as a primer to my under eye concealer since I have the same color issues under there. It worked! I feel like I have found a real gem and this primer is well worth the investment.

Here are the stats and what Too Faced has to say about their product:

Price: $18
Size: .35 ounces
Paraben free

From the Too Faced website:

        

Corrective Formula: Our lemon-yellow, formula creates the perfect neutral canvas for any eye shadow.

Long Wearing: Exclusive blend intensifies pigments and guarantees shadows won’t crease, smudge or fade.

Soothing: Our vitamin enriched formula glides over lids, smoothing sensitive skin while leaving behind a feather-light, cashmere finish.

Don't let the price scare you, a little goes a very long way, and I feel like this will last me forever! If you're in the market for a new primer, give this one a try. If you do try it, let me know how you liked it!

Now, my nails of the week!

Every Sunday I give myself my weekly manicure. This week I used Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails in "No Hard Feelings" and of course Seche Vite as my topcoat, ALWAYS. If you'd like a post on how I do a professional mani at home, just let me know :]

I hope you all had a good weekend, and good luck on your Monday's ;]

Lots of Love,

XOXO Mary

[also, follow me on twitter @xMiSSMARYMACx https://twitter.com/xMiSSMARYMACx]

[add me on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mmuscari ]

I F for F :]

... I'm baaaaaack!

Holy moly has life taken ahold of me! Summer time, school vacation, stuff...

I'd never been so busy in my life, but I'm back!

Any requests [reviews, makeup looks, tips & tricks, anything] would be appreciated! Let me know what you want to see/read :]

Regardless, the posting resumes!

Lots of Love,
XOXO Mary

NYX is on hautelook!

Woo! I'm going to try and find a nude lip combo for summer :]

NYX on hautelook

Happy browsing!

Lots of Love,
XOXO Mary

Spring Beauty VoxBox!

~SPRING BEAUTY VOXBOX~

YAY!

I got the e-mail at the end of March saying I had been selected to receive Influenster's Spring Beauty VoxBox and I had been checking my mail everyday. I am so excited! This box was definitely full of goodies! In this post, I'll tell you everything that is in ^that box!

This first thing is by far in the top 3 of things I received - Sheer Cover concealer! I LOVE concealers, I can never get enough, and it's amazing. It's so creamy and blendable. Mine came in medium and it's perfect. I use it under my eyes and over some pigmentation on my face and so far... LOVE!

Next, I got a FULL SIZE Bath & Body Works fragrance mist in Japanese Cherry Blossom. I swear they were in my head when they made this box. This scent is my favorite permanent collection scent. I can see myself going through this quickly.

Next is a chapstick. Not just any chapstick, but an SPF 50 balm. Now, if you've ever felt the pain of sunburned lips, this is going to save your summer! I unfortunately have and I can't wait to wear this to the beach!

I also got an Aveno daily moisturizer. I love Aveno, it's a simple moisturizer and I love it. Now I have a backup :]

I also received Sally Hansen's Nail Effects... Cheetah print! I'm going to use it on my toes since I have gel nails. How cute for summer right?! Cheetah toes and flip flops? Adorable.

I gave 2 things to my mom because she uses them both! I got a soyjoy snack bar, and Dr.Scholl's ball cushions. She wears heels to work and swears by them, and I have her the bar because I can't have soy. But in any case, these are pretty good inserts to this box.

So that's all. I think it is an AMAZING box. And no, I'm not just saying that because I was picked to get this box. I really, really love the concealer and the chapstick. And the body mist. And the nail effects. Lol, I loved it all and thank Influenster very much for selecting me!

Lots of Love,
XOXO Mary

My Road to Healthy: Getting (and staying!) Motivated

Motivation.

This is by far the hardest part of my journey to getting healthy. I have the food/diet down, and I'm sticking to it really well. I've been cooking alot and have found a TON of things that are good for me and really good. But exercising? Not so much. In the beginning it's such a novelty, you're pumped, enthused, full of adrenaline. Then, as all things, the novelty fades and reality comes back. I made this routine for myself - I was stuck to this new regime for a good week. Then the "oh, I did it yesterday I can skip today" excuses kicked in. I was "busy". Tired. Had to clean. Whatever. I am now made of excuses.

I needed to figure out a way to stay motivated, so I did a little searching online to find good tips on staying motivated when all you want to do is catch up on my DVR. 

I put together a list of things that helped me, and I wanted to share it with you guys in case we are all in the same boat, or just need that little boost to keep your enthusiasm up!

- Don’t start off trying to work out an hour every day and trying to lose 50 pounds in a month. Start with 20-30 minutes of exercise two to three times a week. Going for 10 pounds a week is unhealthy, and really overwhelming. It puts a lot of pressure on yourself, and that is when the motivation can fly right out the window.

- Don't forget to chart your progress, whether it's with a high-tech online tracker or an old-fashioned fitness journal. Seeing the tiny improvements, whether it's increased reps, faster walking, heavier weights, smaller measurements or working out more often, can really help boost your exercise motivation. This one tip really helps me.

- Don't compare yourself to others. Just don't do it. I don't know about anyone else, but it just depresses me.

- Have a support system. Maybe a friend can be a gym buddy or walk around the block with you. Help eachother out!

- Find some sort of fun in it. I HATE it and doubt I will ever find "fun" in sweating and huffing and puffing. I'm trying though, so that works. I don't do the gym, maybe one day, but for now I stick to at home DVD's and am attempting to walk more.

- You can make working out easier on yourself by splitting your exercise session into two or three sessions. Walk in the morning, do a dvd in the afternoon, walk again at night. This can be as beneficial as one long workout. So if you don’t feel like exercising for an hour at a time, do three sessions of 20 minutes each or something.

- Now my favorite, obviously lol. Reward yourself! Something that you enjoy, like a movie or shopping.
Try to think of treats that remind yourself that you are enjoying this because of all the great things you have been doing for yourself!

I hope this helped some people who are struggling like I am. I will do another update, or post another blog when I find some more tips or tricks that I would love sharing with all of you! Let's keep it up :]

Lots of Love,
XOXO Mary

Time to get healthy!

I'm not going to lie, I have probably one of the most unhealthy lifestyles. EVER.

I smoke.
I eat crap.
I don't exercise.
I hate and never drink water.

I know that all of those things need to change.
Summer '12 is going to be my journey to a healthier me!

I don't care what size my jeans are, or being in a bikini. I want to be healthy so I can stick around and enjoy life with my family and friends for many years to come!

My goal?
To be in shape and healthy.

So this is post #1. I think that if I know I need to blog it, I will be motivated to do it. Like I'm going to post multiple "Uh, I didn't do anything this week" blogs, right?!

More than ever am I inspired to get my ass in gear because I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic in January. Uh oh...

For week 1 of blogging my progress, I am talking simple changes. Diet. I'm not on a "diet". If I was, it would be all I think about, and it may turn out like all the other times I've gone on a diet - EPIC FAIL.
After meeting with a diabetes counselor and a nutritionist, I am on a low-glycemic diet [cutting out complex and simple sugars]. It's so hard, and I cheat - A LOT. I am really going to focus on what I eat.

I've started the diet about 4 months ago, but I need this exercising. I HATE it. So much. So, so much. But, it has to happen. 

I also wouldn't mind to lose some weight. I've struggled with it most of my life and I would love to change my lifestyle to keep some weight off.

I have committed to www.teambeachbody.com. My friend Maggie is my "coach" and we have a FB page with other people to help motivate and cheer eachother on! You by all means can join us too if this is something you'd like to take on with us :] It's simple, you choose your at-home program, and record your results. I chose Power Fit Plus. It's two 20 minute dvd's and it comes with resistance bands. It's going to be my 60 day routine. I can't wait to see results!

If I was brave enough I'd put up my stats and before pics, but that ain't happening!

Thanks for listening to me rant ;] If you have any tips, or tricks, some advice maybe, PLEASE feel free to leave it below. It's always easier to do something when you know you have support and need to be the support for others <3

Lots of Love,
XOXO Mary