Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty- Fall Calendar

Just a quickie post to remind you that ulta’s 21 days of beauty starts next Monday!

I had totally forgotten til I saw it just now.

I have $8 in “points” but that won’t get me far.

heres a pic of their first 2 weeks….

Here’s the direct link for the calendar
http://www.ulta.com/21days/#image-1

so what will you be getting? I’m on the hunt for some Tarte foundation, bronzer and blush,,,,I also want to try the melted lippies.

got to go for now, off to a carnival/fair with the family!

Valleau Apparel Photos, Review, and a Giveaway for You!

As you know I have been trying to lose like 40 pounds through diet and exercise. I mostly power-walk with the stroller but there are days when I jog. I have 2 Fabletics outfits and I love the 2 pairs of pants that I have. But both bras that I got from them, well, sucked. One was padded (which I am really small chested so I love padded bras) but the cups were in an odd position for me so that got returned. The 2nd bra that goes with my black/red stripe pants that you see me in a lot is OK but lacks in support and makes me bounce when I am running. It is more of a low impact bra.

Anyway, if you’re looking for GREAT sports bras let me tell you about Valleau Apparel. They don’t just have bras, either, they have pants and tank tops and a few other things.  All the colors and designs are so cute and amazing too. There are many styles to choose from and I will show a few pics so you get the idea. All pictures that I provide that are not of me, are from the Valleau Apparel site with their permission.

Here are a few pics of their gorgeous bras-

The Mermaid (back view)

Firework (back view)

Cute Pants- Many colors to choose from

 

They just started a line of workout headbands as well!

First of all,  the company was founded by Katie Valleau- who’s that you say (or maybe you know)- she’s an NCAA gymnast. So she knows what it’s like to want her ‘girls’ in the right places at the right times and she knows that having the right support makes your workout (and life) so much easier!  She designs each bra with it’s own ‘story’ and uniqueness, probably making them the most unique bras on the market.  And wait till you see the backs on these babies! So gorgeous! The detail is amazing. Not only is the detail and design amazing but the fabric is awesome. I only walk and jog but I do get pretty sweaty and these felt like they help absorb a lot and keep me from dripping.

Me in the Valleau Apparel Starfish Bra

What a Model Looks Like In the Starfish 🙂

Speaking of fabric- I mentioned that I like cups in my bras. The only ‘downside’ currently of Valleau is that they don’t offer cups in their bras- Yet. I’m sure she is working on it! But the bras are double lined. And since they’re double lined, I don’t feel so ‘exposed’ and I feel it gives a little extra padding without the padding. Does that make any sense?  And since they are double lined it also definitely helps support the ‘girls’. I am usually a 36B (ish) and range from a medium to large depending on the brand. (I was a large in Fabletics). I was going to order a Medium but I was told that they run a little on the tight side so I got a large. The large fit pretty good but still gave me some armpit fat (but that’s not their fault. Once, I lose some weight I’m sure it will be fine!). I would say I would try an XL but I’m pretty sure it would be way to big and then not give me any support or cleavage.

So what have we covered- cups, support, fabric, details- oh and all the colors are so cute and amazing too. And their are a lot of styles to choose from and I will show a few pics so you get the idea. All pictures that I provide that are not of me, are from the Valleau Apparel site with their permission.

Speaking of pictures- I chose to finally take the TERRIFYING plunge and actually take a picture of me in the Valleau bra and post it on the blog! EEEEK. Sorry, if it hurts your eyes but I wanted to show you guys that I did wear the bra and how it fit. Unfortunately, I did not have anyone around to help me take a pic of the gorgeous back of the bra  but I will also provide that pic from their site.

Me in Starfish Bra

Model showing gorgeous back of Starfish Bra

I chose to get the black and teal “Starfish” bra. I wear A LOT of black and teal is my FAVORITE color EVER. So that was a given. Although, I did have to think twice because they do have the same bra in the ‘color of the year- Radiant Orchid’. But I knew the black would match with more.

Radiant Orchid- Starfish Bra

Not only do they have the ‘regular’ bra collection, they have a “Sexy” collection as well. Sexy collection meaning it’s more low cut in the front. I did want to try this but since I am 30 and a Mommy I wanted to keep it casual. Maybe next time though!

This is the Sexy Starfish that is low cut in front

I am very happy that I got to try out this bra and I highly, highly recommend checking them out and maybe even taking the plunge and trying something.

In fact- Right now they are having their “Spring Sale” and you can get some bras for $32! as well as pants for $45 instead of their normal $55 price.

I really want to grab this top while it’s available on sale- it is $40 though… So I will have to check the budget.

Their website is- http://www.valleauapparel.com

Their Pinterest is- http://www.pinterest.com/valleauapparel/

Their Facebook is- https://www.facebook.com/ValleauApparel

Their Instagram is- http://instagram.com/valleauapparel#

They are also on Tumblr- http://valleauapparel.tumblr.com/

Definitely scoop up a bra while you can at that price! But for those of you who don’t have the extra money or just feel lucky we are hosting a giveaway!

Valleau Apparel will giveaway one bra of the winner’s choice! Great right? I wish I could enter and I’d get the radiant orchid one or the Sexy Starfish!

Rafflecopter to be posted on the FB page

http://www.facebook.com/BudgetBeauty

Here is the link to the Rafflecopter entry-

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Try Birchbox for $5!!! Yes, please!

If you’ve been thinking about trying birchbox but didn’t wan to spend the ten plus dollars- now is the time to try! They’re having a promo where you can get your May box for $5!!! Use code summersub and it will bring it from $10 to $5 (and some change for tax). Plus there’s supposed to be some sort of Kate Spade promo in the May box…. I can’t wait!

This deal is only good til 5/26. The theme of the box is “Free-Wheeling”.

Before I got super broke, I got 2 Birchboxes and I absolutely loved both. I even got a few full sized products.

Again, the code is summersub

if you’d like to sign up please use my link

https://www.birchbox.com/invite/vfjxj

Id be ever so grateful!

this is the email I got from them-

Our “Freewheeling”-themed May box is packed with samples to shake up your beauty routine, and leave you feeling footloose and fancy-free. We’re bringing that carefree, weekend-all-week approach to our (and your) wardrobe too, with an exclusive Kate Spade Saturday offer in our May box. Plus, for a limited time, get your next box for only $5 (that’s half the usual price!) when you purchase a women’s monthly subscription. Use code SUMMERSUB at checkout. But hurry—you only have
until 5/26!

 

Budget Beauties Check Out Caralase for Your Summer Wardrobe! Item Review and Reader Giveaway!

As you know I am a SAHM.  My Fiance is the only source of income besides me selling things on Ebay. It’s fun but it barely takes care of my shopping obsession and doesn’t go toward bills at all. I have very limited funds for clothing so I need to make sure I am getting the most for my money. I search (I like the term ‘scour’) the web and other fashion/beauty blogs for deals and sites and boutiques that are affordable yet good quality *usually that’s an oxymoron.  When I find one I really love I always share it with you–Well I found one!

http://www.caralase.com

Their Facebook is

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Caralase/417322198414179

They have tops, tunics, short dresses, maxi dresses, leggings- everything that we need! They even carry accessories. And not only is the stuff feminine and cute but it’s so affordable (the most expensive dress is $30).  I have found that affordable clothes don’t last as long as others. Well that doesn’t seem to be the case with their clothing. I have worn my dress three times now and can’t even tell that it’s been worn once. The material is holding up great and so is the shape.

I got to pick an item from Caralase to review. That was a task! It took me a good two hours or more to decide on one because I would buy the whole place!  I ended up getting the Strap Belted Maxi- on their site it goes for $25.  It goes on similar sites for $49.  I don’t know about you but I’d rather get two dresses with my $50.  (If you are in my blogging group on Facebook you probably saw my post the other day when I was freaking out about how to take pictures of a dress without actually being in the picture…. It was about this particular maxi dress.) The dress itself if awesome- great quality, fits great, feels great. The problem is me and my post baby body. I’m sure there’s really nothing wrong with the pictures but I hate how some of my fashion pictures come out. I just feel flabby still.  I decided, for now, to use Caralase’s pictures from their site. (Sorry to disappoint some of you ladies from my group! I had to have the post up and my Hubby hasn’t been home to help me take the pictures. I do plan on taking some of me for another post.)

Styled with Cardigan

I styled the dress two ways (spring and summer)- Spring- I use a darker wash jean jacket and cork wedge sandals (could also use ballet flats if you don’t want heels). When it gets warmer I will not wear the jacket, I’ll just wear some type of summery shoe and throw on a necklace. I could also throw on a drapey cardigan or one of those new drapey sleeveless vests.

One thing I LOVE about this maxi is that the belt comes with the dress! One of the reasons I have trouble putting together fashion posts is because I have trouble putting outfits together from start to finish with the accessories, shoes, etc. This makes it easy for you- it comes with the accessory.  Now all I have to do is add the shoes, which I have plenty of! (My real issue isn’t styling dresses. It’s styling ‘outfits’ like the top, pants, etc. That’s why I usually just throw on a dress in the summer!)

I really love so many of their tunics and maxi’s. I will definitely be buying a few. I love the printed maxi- that is the one that is the most expensive at $30. Isn’t it gorgeous? It comes in this hot pink and a teal.

If you’re like me then you want something that can be worn in the spring, transition to summer and hopefully even transition into other seasons. Their clothing can do just that. They have everything from tees and tops that you can wear everyday to the dresses that you saw here that can be dressed up or worn daily.

They have sizes small to XL in most items. I was a large in the particular dress. The girl said this one ran a little smaller than  most.

So are you ready for your challenge?  Caralase said they are willing to give one of my readers any one item of their choice! Isn’t that fabulous? Now you can have your very own new Spring and Summer piece (that can be used well into fall even).

Follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter and come back daily for extra entries!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

****All images in this post are taken from http://www.caralase.com

Adore Me Lingerie~ Huge Discount code! ENDS TONIGHT!!! First set for $10-$20!

Adore Me (which I have done a post about before) is a lingerie “service” that is like ShoeMint or StyleMint or JustFab- They give you a showroom every month and if you don’t want it, you can skip it. They even have plus sizes!

Your first set it $39.99 (unless you skip the VIP option then it’s $49.99) for a bra and for a thong/undies or for a pajama set (pants and a top). You can also get lingerie, corsets, nightgowns, robes, etc.!(Actually, once a month they do sets for $25 so watch out for those if you are interested!)

But right now they are offering a full set for $20!!! That is the lowest I have ever seen it and it is on anything not just select merchandise.

I really wanted this pajama set called Marcella but they are all sold out for now (except in Small). The customer service rep said they should get more in…. we shall see.

Anyway, I wanted to let you know that right now instead of paying the $39 you can pay $20 for your first full set! I wanted to get Marcella but now it’s looking like I’ll get one of the pushup/add 2 sizes bras/pantie sets.(Athena, Psyche, and Gregoria are the three bra sets that I would LOVE= and Hebe!)

The code should automatically add at checkout but if it doesn’t the code is REVEAL20!!!

Or if you want to try Adore Me for even less- like $9.95- you can get your first set from one of these collections– The “first set $9.95 collection” and it’s still Free Shipping both ways! After you go to the try for $9.95 collection (link below) use code TRYFOR10

(not sure why you need a code if you are already in the section of $9.95 lingerie)

http://www.adoreme.com/very-merry.html?coupon=TRYFOR10&utm_campaign=3843388&utm_content=14853966058&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Emailvision

There’s still some really cute lingerie pieces and a few bras but I need the ones that add cups.

So I am really tempted to get Marcella in Small (which I was told that specific one runs big but that I would be a medium) and hope that it fits. Or at least I would get the sale price and then switch it for the right size when it comes it. But the CS couldn’t promise that it would come in.

So now I’m thinking I’ll just get a bra set.

What about you guys? Will you be getting anything? This $20 sale is the lowest I have ever seen them go. So now is the time to act!

if you’re thinking of trying them out please be ever so kind and use my referral link

http://my.adore.me/x/q1KU0v

Their stuff is gorgeous and I think they are quite comparable to Vicki’s and Fredrick’s of Hollywood.

Orglamix Eyeshadow Review and Swatches

~Beautifully Packaged with Info Card~

~From L to R- Honeymoon Sweet *my favorite, Pomegranate, and Solar~

Another view of Honeymoon Sweet, Pomegranate, and Solar.

I wanted to try and capture how it looked at different angles and light.

These are all under my dining room light.

A few weeks ago I was looking around the internet at “organic” makeup search items when I found a company called Orglamix.

They were having a Pinterest contest so I entered and I saw some beautiful pictures of their eyeshadows.  My new ‘thing’ is wanting to try to put what is best into my body and at the same time try to shy away from any companies that participate in animal testing. I wear makeup a lot, so why would I want to put something harmful into my body or on my skin almost everyday? I don’t want to look pretty but I also don’t want chemicals!

Just because you go organic doesn’t mean you have to ‘settle’ especially nowadays with everyone wanting organic!

Orglamix is made from mineral powders. They have classic neutrals to ‘hottest hues’ with over 150 shades to choose. “These 100% pure mineral pigments deliver gorgeous, smudge proof, crease free and water-resistant color in one stroke.”

The card says to:

Apply dry for a natural glow, wet for more intensity or mix together with other products to customize colors you desire.

I first tried to apply to my hand with no primer or anything. It went on easy and very bright. I used my finger to apply. Then I took the eyeshadow brush to try to get some more on… when I touched the brush to the makeup that was already there it ‘shaded’ it everywhere so now the colors weren’t so bright and it was more just a sparkly sheen with some color.

So I knew that wouldn’t work for the photos I wanted to take. It looked pretty. I read the card after so now I know that for the ‘natural glow’ look to apply dry with a eyeshadow brush.

But if you don’t want the natural glow look and you want a more ‘POP’ of color you will need some primer and your finger or a eyeshadow sponge applicator. You know the ones that come with like Cover Girl or Revlon eyeshadows?

Once I put the primer on (I couldn’t find my Urban Decay so I used Milani) everything was fine (it was also fine before but I needed more color for the photos).

As you can see they were super pigmented and bright and sheer without being sparkly.

I LOVE the Honeymoon Sweet! The Pomegranate was beautiful too but not for my eyes. Although now that it rubbed off some, maybe a little less would look great! I will have to try it and see. The Solar was a little yellowy at first but again now that’s it’s been about an hour looks awesome. I think I am going to take a picture of what it looks like after it’s been on a little while because I think it looks better now.

I was so concerned with getting the colors bright for the photos but now that they have sunk in and ‘smudged’ around a little they look even more beautiful!

I do wish they had some colors that weren’t as ‘sheer’ and more matte looking… From the pictures I saw I think they do but the three that I got are all very sheer.

What do you think?

Check them out on Facebook or Pinterest.

Their Facebook is

http://www.facebook.com/Orglamix

Check out all the photos of their eyeshadows and pictures of makeup done with them! They are beautiful! I could have ‘pinned’ forever!

If you want to check out my Pinterest you can see my Orglamix board.

http://www.pinterest.com/cstone412cs

What do you think?

Do you try to use organic makeup?

Coming very shortly will be another review and Giveaway with some more awesome organic makeup…

  These first two pics are taken near my living room light and after I’ve had them on my hand about an hour… Just so you can see what they look like more blended and in more light.

The bottom pic is after I’ve had on a while but in bright light again.

Beauty Sale at Victoria’s Secret and Blog News

So I just checked my email and wanted to let you guys know about these two cool deals.

The tote that you can get for $10 with any beauty purchase is quite cute and normally $40!

Then you get the amazing deal of the buy 2, get 2 FREE! I searched my area because it said select stores, and both the ones near my house were listed.

I have the link on the Facebook post

facebook.com/BudgetBeauty

I also want to say that I know this month has been real slow so far for posts and giveaways BUT for anyone interested in organic and “good for you” makeup, I have some cool giveaways and reviews coming at the end of the month into February.

One of the companies was just featured on My Beauty Bunny, called Nouveau/Organica. The palette that’s available only until the end of this month is amazing! I went to their site and fell in love! The fact that they are good for you, gluten free, bad stuff free, etc. is awesome. I’ll have more info when I do my review post but wanted to let you in on the scoop for the upcoming events.

The link for the post on My Beauty Bunny is

http://www.mybeautybunny.com/nouveau-organica-makeup-review/

Check out that palette! She’s totally right when she says it reminds her of an artists/painter’s palette!

She also has a code for 30% off but it’s only good for a few more days. I think.

Im excited, I hope you guys are!

Stay tuned…

New Sales on 3 Subscription Boxes at Plum District

I put a pic of Citrus Lanes sale at the top.

Bottom pic is a screen shot of a few of the deals they have, including the Joybay swing car that I got.

News about sales on sub boxes!
Escape Monthly, Citrus Lane and Ecocentric Mom on sale at Plum District for about half off!
I love Plum District because they have a lot of deals on sub boxes and mom friendly products.
My invite code is at the bottom if you’re interested, if not please still read on about the deals, you may find one you really want!

Escape Monthly is $25 plus free shipping, which is 50% off its normal price. Escape
Monthly is said to bring the vacation to you, or a vacation in a box. I’ve never tried it but it looks really interesting. It’s usually $50 which is way too much for me but for $25 I may just try it out.

If you’re interested in Citrus Lane (which is for babies and kids, I believe ages birth to 5, not positive it’s just off the top of my head) I get Citrus Lane and I love it! Five products a month and all full size, usually one toy or two, baby care, and sometimes a product for me too.

Of you haven’t heard of or checked out Plum District yet, it’s a pretty cool website that has really great deals on different products usually for moms or families.
I just bought the kids a $90 cart/bike thingy called a Joybay original swing car, for $25 bc of their sales. I looked them up on YouTube and they look pretty fun and cool.
Here’s the link for citrus lane or you can use my referral link, which I’ll put at the bottom.
http://www.plumdistrict.com/deals/citrus-lane-mom-approved-children-s-products-free-shipping-discover-new-trusted-b-wgDwMy?utm_source=Email&utm_content=2014-01-09&utm_campaign=3&utm_medium=1&utm_term=1&DEAL_ID=40021
$48 for 3 months instead of $75ish and you can get extra money off by liking Plum District on Facebook.

Ecocentric Mom is $17 a box, half off the normal price of $24. It’s basically Citrus Lane but all organic so definitely worth a try in my opinion.

If you’d like to use my invite
https://www.plumdistrict.com/?ref=u90bce3530d3

I also found anot her really fun and cool (and probably dangerous!) app called Tophatter.

I heard it’s just for iPads or iPhones (but I don’t see why you couldn’t use it on a regular tablet or smartphone but what do I know). It’s a free app at least.

if you try it out, you can use my code and get $5 credit toward a purchase.

1546e6

Type that in where it says redeem code.

I love it. If I get a chance later, I want to do a full post about it. It’s like ebay but made into game form. And if you make a purchase and realize you can’t do it, there is an option to cancel it but they don’t advise doing it too many times.

They have a designer purses auction, a luxury makeup one, a bunch of jewelry ones, electronics, home decor. different days have different auctions. You can also sell stuff yourself! I love that, definitely going to try it.

I use the Coach purses auction and the makeup auction the most.

Check them out.  Let me know what you think.

I also want you guys to know that I don’t care if you use my referral link. I don’t tell you guys about things just to get referral clicks. Truth is I don’t get too many anyway!

I only tell you about things that I really believe in and have tried and liked.

I just want to make sure that you know that!

New GIVEAWAY Starts Now

<a Rafflecopter giveaway>

This is the “Get us more Fans and LIkes” Giveaway-  you must like our fb page, share our page, and if you want you can follow the blog as well. Click the link provided and it will take you to the Rafflecopter. Follow the instructions and BOOM- you may win one of two fabulous prizes worth at least $30 but will probably be a lot more.

Again- Congrats to Kelsey P. who won the giveaway that just ended. I will be mailing her prizes tomorrow. 🙂 Tried to do it today but I had to return something at Target and they took too long and I would’ve made the Hubby late for work…. Sorry Kelsey! I tried! Tomorrow’s another day!

CHeck out the Facebook page for this blog because I do update that daily (if not Hourly! I am so addicted lol my Fiance HATES this blog/fb page bcuz it’s taking all my attention and spending all our money hahah).

Today on the FB page I shared a code for 20% off at Urban Decay-  FFHOLIDAY13. Works on even sale stuff!