New Years Resolutions? Solutions?

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Okay...I'll be honest, I'm not one to usually make New Years resolutions but, I may have changed my own mind this time around. I wasn't planning on making resolutions this coming 2012 but then I thought to myself, wait a minute, this is the perfect opportunity for me to think only about "Me!" There isn't always room in the hustle and bustle of life to stop and think about yourself and the wants and desires you have for your life and future and the New Year gives us just that! Allow yourself to brainstorm solutions to problems or ideas and set out to resolve!
Resolutions can be big or small, easily tangible or hard to reach! It gives us something to look forward to and again, gain personal grown and achievement! Also, keep in mind it doesn't have to be something new! If you have had great success on your vegetarian diet through 2011 and want to continue, make that your resolution!

 Note to self: if the goal isn't achieved, well...there's always next year right?!!

Here are a few of my 2012 New Year's Resolutions and Solutions!

1.) Drink LOTS more water.
2.) Re-evaluate finances. I'm going to be a first time momma in 2012 so, the bank account is going to be changing quite a bit for our new bundle of joy! :)
3.) Remind myself more often of all the wonderful joys I have in my life. Big or small. Its a good feeling and reminds me of how far I've come and the obstacles I've tackled like a linebacker! (examples, the yummiest chocolate chip cookie ever made by the world's best husband, and Women's rights! - Okay, I'm 26 but think about it...I'm grateful!!)
4.) Find a new charity/foundation to support and be apart of.
5.) Discover a new hobby I can do with my husband. <3
6.) Blog more!!

Let me in on your New Years Resolutions or why you don't make them! Remember, your opinion counts, its what makes you, YOU!

Happy 2012!!!!!!! <3 Amy

Holiday Oreos

In spirit of the Christmas Season, I wanted to make this simple sweet treat to bring to a holiday party. Who doesn't love Oreos? Bring them together with melted chocolate and wa-la, Chocolate Covered Oreos! These little treats will be sure to add a little jingle to any party or household!

What you Need:
1 Package of Double Stuffed Oreos (any flavor you like)
2 Packages of White Chocolate Chips
Holiday Sprinkles
Wax Paper

Begin by melting the white chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in a large bowl until smooth and creamy!

Next drop an Oreo one by one into the bowl of chocolate and spoon the mixture over the entire Oreo until it is covered.

Place each chocolate covered Oreo on a sheet of wax paper spacing them far apart so they don't touch.

Lastly, quickly before the chocolate begins to set, sprinkle with your favorite holiday sprinkles!

Allow at least 30 minutes for the chocolate to harden and sprinkles to set before removing from wax paper. Can be stored in a airtight container.

Stocking Stuffers!

Gift giving is just around the corner, and I have received a request from a devoted reader of mine to do a snip-it of my top ideas for stocking stuffers this holiday season!

Here are my Top 10 Stocking Stuffer ideas for guys and gals! Enjoy!

Guys:

1.) Dr. Harris Soap on a Rope Arlington by C.O. Bigelow. $25.00. A simple solution in the shower for guys, it smells good and the rope is handy for hanging and holding on to the soap. The man's soap!

2.) A Flash light. (Price varies) What guy doesn't need or want a flash light! A perfect stocking stuffer and one he is sure to appreciate. Check out the new World's Brightest & Most Powerful Flashlight. $149.00.
3.) Travel Friendly Leatherman Multi-Tool. $18.90. The names says it all, a multi-tool that has pliers, cutters, tweezers, bottle opener, and screw driver. Great for the avid outdoors men!
4.) The iphone 4S. Price Varies $199.00 to $399.00. Yes a pricey stocking stuffer but I think one of the best released pieces of technology yet!! The options are endless with this gift. You can add a case, an app gift card, a camera adapter, etc!! Choose between black or white, 16G, 32G, or 64G. Have your whole life in the palm of your hand and an added perk, control all your home electronics on your iphone as well! Personal control! ;-)
5.) Yamaha EPH-20 In Ear Head Phones. $29.95. Great Price!! These chic simple headphone provide a bang of a sound! Plug right into your music device or iphone and drown out the sound around you. Available in 6 Colors: Black, Pink, Blue, Green, and the newly released Red Berry Brown and Purple! Search for your local Yamaha Electronics dealer to get your pair this holiday season! Help out local businesses! :-)
6.) Sennheiser MM30i In Ear Head Phones. $79.95. As Sennheiser states these headphones are designed to act as earplugs. With a great deal of quality and bass to this product, you get a bang for your buck! Designed to allow adequate control of your iphone, ipad, or ipod with his attached mini remote on the headphone cord allowing you to turn the volume up and down, activate calls, and control your playlist! Find your local Sennheiser dealer for this product and get it in hand today!
7.) Patagonia Klean Kanteen. $20.00. This kanteen is small and compact yet provides enough liquid space to quench your thirst! Its stainless steel so it will keep cold and is very durable! A perfect stocking stuffer.
8.) Graphic Image - Slim Leather Card Case. $30.00. This card case allows guys to only carry exactly what they need to those holiday parties and events. This slim case holds credit cards, I.D.'s only the essentials for the simple guy. Available in 3 colors at Saks.
9.) Whiskey Stones & Gift Set. $19.50-$58.00. Maybe a gift for dad or uncle? These amazing little whiskey stones act as ice cubes without ever dissolving so you won't have to worry about diluting that drink! Available with or without the glasses. I'd say that's an uncommon good! (thumbs up!)
10.) Yamaha MCR-040 - Mini System. $280.00. Last but not least this item might be a bit big for the stocking but it is a must this Christmas! This mini stereo system is one of my favorites on the list. I really want one for my house! It comes in 10 cool color choices, its a CD player, FM radio, USB, and mini jacks to play all your portable devices such as iphone/ipods. Includes a clock and alarm. It has a heck of a sound and his flying off the shelves like hot cakes!! Again, find your local Yamaha dealer to test out this little mini and color your music happy!!


Gals:

1.) Marc Jacobs Roller Ball Trio. $38.00. Slip these little tubs in the stocking so the ladies can slip them in their purse or small carry on's. Marc has put his best all into one on this stocking stuffer. Also available at Macy's.
2.) Stila Dream in Full Palette. $39.00. Its all about face with this gift. In a simple color wheel Stila has put eyes and cheeks in one simple palette. Providing the best of the holiday colors, this is a cheery way to start the new year!
3.) Tipping Teacup. $20.00ea. This is one of the coolest gifts I've seen this year. Be sure to watch the video on the site it shows how this little tea cup does wonders!! It really does tip from one side to another allowing your tea to steep and then you sip! Adorable gift!
4.) Love Bunnies Ring Holder. $12.00. These adorable little bunnies will keep her rings safe from harm. Available in two colors and a great inexpensive stocking stuffer.
5.) Tory Burch iPhone4 Case. $48.00. Talk in designer style with this contemporary patterned cell phone case for those iPhone users. Cuteness! Don't forget the iphone too!!
6.) Yamaha EPH-20 In Ear Head Phones. $29.95. I had these in the guys category but they come in very stylish colors for the gals too!! Rock out at the gym or while studying with these little ear buds! Find your local Yamaha dealer for purchasing.
7.) Victoria's Secret Pink Sock Gift Set. $19.50. A cute little pack even for Santa's little helper! She can lounge around with hot chocolate in these or partake in the neighborhood snowball fight!
8.) Tiffany's Bow Pendant. $125.00. What girl doesn't love to get a little blue box??? Pretty much any Tiffany's item would be a wonderful gift. I choose this beautiful bow pendant for this holiday season, wrap her up in style and elegance!
9.) Ticket to Glossytown. $24.00. Get your ticket to glossytown with these six mini lip glosses all in one pack! Need I say more? I'm ready to dump all my current glosses and ask Santa for these little babies! Benefit Cosmetics is one of my favorites, you will recall the Lash Out blog post!
10.)  Betseyville Rosey Days Wristlet. $46.99. On sale!! This cute little wrislet can hold all her little gems and lip glosses. Betsey loves to play with colors and patterns so there is one to sure fit her style. **A bargin tip, check out your local TJMaxx, they carry Betsey J sometimes!

Happy Holidays and Happy Stocking Stuffing!!!

Prime Time

It's been awhile since I have made a blog post but I have been working hard at making a list of ideas to share with you all!

Today I'm sharing with you tips and suggestions about Foundation Primers! What's a foundation primer you ask? Its a MUST in your makeup collection. A foundation primer is a light weight base applied usually after your moisturizer and before your foundation. A prime does what its name suggests, primes the face for your makeup. Similar to priming a wall before you paint it!

In the priming process there are several benefits:

1.) Its going to give you the best possible results from your foundation. It will set a clean canvas for your foundation or powder to work with and provide even coverage.
2.) Depending on the primer you choose, it can help with oil control, acne, moisturize, or help with anti-aging benefits.
3.) A little bit goes a long way!! Primers are a little on the pricey side so I usually buy very small bottles of primer. It would take me a long time to go through a full size bottle. So save a little on $, spread out your foundation and grab a small travel size!
4.) You benefit from a flawless coverage!

Here are my top 3 favorite Foundation Primers:

1.) Hourglass VEIL Mineral Primer. $52.00. Mini Size $17.00.
This primer has so many benefits. It is creamy and lightweight. It minimizes the appearance of large pores, is water resistant, helps with oil control, minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, contains SPF 15, and is vegan - yeah! Again, buy the travel size at Sephora to help with cost on this little guy. :)

2.) Arbonne Virtual Illusion Makeup Primer. $40.00.
I recently tried this primer from my Arbonne Consultant and was very delighted with its results. Arbonne is know around the world for their botanically created masterpieces in the cosmetic, body, health, and wellness categories. This primer named in Total Beauty's Top Primers is the smoothest of them all. It glides on like butter but leaves your skin feeling like silk! It provides a matte finish while its botanical ingredients contain anti-aging,  toning, and vitamin benefits. I'm not sure if this comes in a travel size but you won't be disappointed in this one. I would recommend this primer for anyone who needs to maintain the moisture in their skin.
Contact Arbonne Specialist Jane Stickland (click her name) to discover Arbonne and try their wonderful makeup primer!

3.) Smashbox Photo Finish Light Foundation Primer. $36.00. Mini Size $16.00.
This primer was also on the list of Top Primers by Total Beauty, is flawless and well balanced. I chose to get the Light version of this primer because it is oil-free. This primer is going to help with those who have oily, acne prone, or sensitive skin. It will give you visibly soft skin and can actually be used with or without makeup! I use this one if I'm only going to wear a powder and no liquid foundation. Minimizes imperfections on the face and provides vitamin C! Again, a little bit goes a long way. I use about the size of a pencil eraser if not less. It absorbs quickly so effortlessly drape this airy light formula all over your face, eyelids included! This primer can be found at Smashbox, Sephora, or Ulta.

If you have any questions or need more tips on priming, contact me by email or always comment on Facebook as well!! Enjoy your Prime Time! :)