Be Brave.

(Me and my little guy)

Today one of my beautiful sisters sent me a music video and it touched my heart and soul in so many places I wanted to share it all with you! It's by Sara Bareilles and the song is called Brave. You can watch the video here: http://youtu.be/QUQsqBqxoR4

Being brave is probably one of the hardest things to do in life. Why? Consequences, judgment, fear, disapproval, dissatisfaction? Wow that was a lot of negative words! But how many times have we seen bravery honored? And let's not forget the amazing feeling that penetrates deep down inside us that says, YES! Doesn't it feel good to be brave and be you?!!! 

Today and everyday let your heart be free and say what you want to say and be who you want to be. We only get this one shot at life so we might as well make it count right?! Be good, be bold, be kind, be loved. Be brave. 

Xoxoxoxox

Amy 

Nailed it!

Hey guys!

So, I'm loving the nail trend right now of rocking one color different on one nail such as the ring finger. I've done colors with just a shade different but today I went for bold and beautiful since I just received these new colors for my Birthday! What do you think? What styles are you rocking these days?

Show me your tips on Facebook and now follow me on Instagram! Just search, Shimmerandcharisma :-)

Loves <3

Ulta Haul

Hi my favorite blog followers! I thought I would start to post new products that I am trying out and my beauty purchases. Comment on here or on my Facebook page if you want to see more and/or a tutorial for any of the products!

For this weeks Ulta Haul I got:

1.) L'Oréal 24 Hour Infallible Eye Shadow in Eternal Sunshine and Amber Rose. I love this eye shadow. I've tried it before but not these colors. The shadow is highly pigmented and a powder yet glides on like a cream and blends well.

2.) NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk. I bought this white pencil for lining my water line for a wide eye day look.

3.) Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! A huge lover of Tarte, trying out one of their other mascaras.

4.) Benefit Concealer and Corrector in Boiing and Lemon Aid. For under eye brightness and conceal trouble spots.

5.) Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. This primer is anti-aging while reducing the appearance of fine lines and pores. This provides a silky canvas for your foundation.

6.) Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in the color Precious. It's the perfect nude lip stain without being too dry or sticky at all. Has buildable coverage too.

So far I've tried almost every product except the eyeshadow in Eternal Sunshine and I'm very happy with all my purchases!

Hope I have inspired you today to try something new!

<3

Happy NYE!

2012, lets reflect shall we? I'm not usually one to want to look back on the "past" but rather than just wish it away just yet, I thought I would utilize this post to reflect back on the amazing things that happened in 2012, only to preempt myself to what wonderful things could become of 2013!

Reflections~
1.) I got to vacation!
2.) I got to spend time with my family this year who traveled from far and wide.
3.) I realize what friendship means to me. Finally!
4.) I gave birth to the most beautiful baby boy in the world!!!! -sure I'm bias! ;-)
5.) I maintained my health, happiness, and most importantly I gained more love in my heart and my home for my Darling Husband, Sweet Baby Boy, and gifted Border Collie.

This short but sweet list only makes me so grateful to have all that I do and makes me so thankful for all that is to come in our bright future of 2013!
Toasting to all my valuable readers and supporters out there, thank you for being apart of my blog. So much love to you all. May 2013 bring all that warms your heart and soul, and all the glamours your world!
Cheers! <3 Amy

Holiday Nails

I wanted to add some fun flair to my nails for this holiday season but, I wasn't so tickled with Grinch Green and Peppermint Candy Red. So I went for a more glamorous effect! I chose OPI - Samoan Sand as my base and Essie - Set in Stone to add some sparkle to my tips!

Here are some tips to getting the most perfect nails:
Trim them short and smooth.
Make sure your nails are clean of any lotions before painting.
Paint 2 Coats of nude polish to get good coverage.
Allow ample dry time between coats.
Lastly, make sure when your nails are finished to keep those hands supple with a good hand lotion!

Upload photos to my Facebook page of your holiday nails! I want to see them!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! <3

The Day Look

Keeping your daily make up look simple and clean is always a good idea. Especially when you are busy with work, being a stay at home Mommy like myself, or just being busy during the holidays!

Here is my simple day look for a fresh face with some of my favorite products and brands!

What you need:
-Tinted moisturizer
-Under Eye Concealer
-Loose Powder
-Bronzer (optional) adds a little glow
-Peach Blush
-Cream Colored Eyeshadow
-Brown eyeliner
-Mascara
-Clear Mascara to tame brows
-Lip Balm

The list may seem long but it's really the basics for a fresh face. It also will set the canvas to switch to an evening look!

Lash Love

My love for luscious long lashes will never fade as I'm always searching for the best and favorite mascara. When I went shopping recently for my favorite Benefit go to's they were out! "Minor panic!" So I tried a new kind! I welcomed Tarte Cosmetics Gifted Amazonian Clay Mascara into my love for lashes. Much to my surprise, I'm in love with this!!!!!! I heart Tarte for their natural eco products, no animal testing, and adorable packaging. This mascara is a perfectly balanced formula with a more matte finish. The wand is ideal for creating length and a double coat adds thickness. I like to curl lashes first to separate the hairs, then apply mascara.
I'm in lash heaven!! Yes the photo I took is of my own lashes after 2 coats of Gifted! I'd say this would be a great gift this holiday season! ;-)

<3 from my lashes to yours!