Flat Iron - "Iron Off"

Meet Jen!

She is a beautiful, ___ year old, environmental science teacher!  She just recently decided that she wanted to start wearing makeup (see the next blog post for her "before and after" -- I gave her a makeup lesson).  She also decided that it was about time to purchase a flat iron.

In January, during a shopping trip to the Christmas Tree Shop, she found a flat iron for $15.00.  Our friend Liza swears by her CHI flat iron and we all know those can cost upwards of $100.  Jen was concerned that her $15 flat iron would not be as good, and Liza was curious to see if the results would be better or worse than the CHI.  So it was decided... a flat iron- iron-off!!

Here we go... the CHI flat iron and the compare to CHI No Name Iron... (I forgot to get pic of actual iron, but did the paperwork, although it looks exactly like CHI).

Jen's hair was freshly washed and air dried.  We split her hair down the middle and then sprayed each side with heat protectant and went on our way.  Liza used her CHI while I used Jen's No Name.  

We forgot to specify how were were going to do each side, I did mine with a little bend and Liza did hers stick straight.  But all in all, we decided that you could not tell the difference.  

                                               Don't mind the horrible lighting in background!

What do you think??

Why did we do this?  Well, we wanted to show people that you do not necessarily have to spend big money on hair appliances to get a good hair style.  I will say though, that this is Liza's second CHI.  Her first one lasted her over 9 years!  She definitely got bang for her buck!  We do not yet know how long Jen's No Name will last for so we cannot compare the two variables but that is something to keep in mind too!  Let's just say it only lasted a year though... if you spent $15 ever year for 9 years on a flat iron that is $135 right there... is it worth buying the CHI? Up to you.

Now I am not saying ALL less expensive/no name products are just as good as "high end" ones, because I know from personal experience... I bought a more expensive blow dryer then the last two I currently have, and it makes a world of difference; so much better!  However, Liza owns a little purple conair and I have used it to give her a blow out before and MAN is it powerful!  It is also a matter of what works for you. You may have some super coarse hair and need a more expensive hair tool.

So, in conclusion... take a shot, try it out!  Save the box because if you don't like it MOST places will let you return it (make sure to ask), and it is always good to save money where you can.

What kind of flat iron do you currently own, and how do you like it??

XOXO- B

Valentines Day Makeup Tutorial

Happy Valentines Day!! Here is a fun makeup look for you to try to wear out with your sweetie or maybe your girl friends!! Enjoy! <3

1. Foundation
2. Concealer
3. Apply purple shadow all over your lids (just the lids).  Here I am using TIGI colors.
**also use the same color shadow with a thin liner brush and apply to lower lash line to give a slight smokey look**
4. Apply black shadow in the out corners of your eyes 
(follow this shape < and >).  Drag the black into your crease a bit but do not bring all the way to the inner corner of your eyes.
5. Add copper shadow to inner corner of eyes.
6. Blend, blend, blend
7. Choose an ivory/white and brush under your brow bone to highlight
7a. I forgot to post photo of shaping brows, but SHAPE YOUR BROWS, fill them it, makes the world of difference!!
8. Line your eyes with liquid liner (I'm using Kat Von D liquid liner).
9. Curl your lashes (My favorite lash curler is by E.L.F. and is only $1 at Target)
10. Apply mascara (Physicians Formula) and then false lashes (Shany Lashes)
11. Contour/highlight/blush and lip gloss
12. Do your hair, put on a cute outfit, sprits your favorite perfume and enjoy your night out!! 

XOXO- B

**Balsamic Glazed Cauliflower “Wings”

Good morning!  I wanted to share this recipe that I attempted yesterday.  While it came out nothing like wings, it was still super tasty and I will definitely be making it again!! 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

For the sauce:

1/4 c balsamic vinegar

2 tbs soy sauce (I used liquid aminos)

1/4 c honey (can also use agave or maple syrup)

1 garlic clove, crushed (I used two because I love garlic)

1 tsp finely minced fresh rosemary (or dried-- does the job)

1/4 tsp salt

a few grinds of black pepper

Whisk all ingredients together and set aside.

Now onto the cauliflower!

You need one large head of cauliflower cut into florets (just be cautious of the sizing... too big and they will take longer to cook, too small and they will cook too quickly and get mushy).

Then you will take 1/2 cup of milk of choice (I used almond milk) and 1/2 cup flour (I used arrowroot flour) and whisk the two together in a large bowl.

Coat the cauliflower generously with the mixture.

Place on greased baking sheet evenly, in one layer.  

Cook 15-20 minutes.  

                                                                                                        (Dont mind the ugly pizza stone underneath)

When done cooking, remove from oven and coat cauliflower with sauce mixture (I tossed them together in the bowl, but you can pour it over, or whatever your preference is).  Place back in the oven for 5 more minutes and they are done!

 Enjoy! 

                            XOXO- B

**This recipe was found on the blog Cupcakes to Kale Chips.

Paleo Challenge Results

Okay so it is the end of the 30 day Paleo Challenge... I drank my water, I did my workouts, I ate proteins, fruits, veggies and so on.  Guess what!  I lost two pounds in the first two weeks, however, I had migraines, it messed with my mood, and by the end of the month I actually put on weight!

This challenge has taught me that everybody's body is different and takes to different foods in different ways. I tried hard to eat red meat, and I could not do it.  I ate tuna fish from the can, could not do it.  And I am actually up 4 pounds.  Now I know, I was not eating so terribly on my own without this challenge.  As long as I eat clean, and limit sweets, and keep working out, I think I will be okay.

For those of you who have seen results, that is great and I am happy that it worked for you but unfortunately I do not believe I will be following a strict paleo menu.

XOXO- B

Want to hear a secret??

I am sharing with you one of my favorite beauty secrets!

Back in high school I would faithfully get acrylic nails done for two reasons... A. they looked nice B. the nail polish stayed on for at least three weeks if not longer.

In college I was concerned about the damage done to my nail so I started getting gel nails done (supposedly healthier than acrylics).

Then a few years ago gel polish came out.  A nail polish that lasted at least two weeks but you have to get it done in a salon (but I worked in the salon and had access to it).  Gel polish was nice but it required many many steps to apply and quite the process to remove, and it does hurt some peoples nails... so now what??

Ladies lets admit it!  There is just something about having your nails done that make you look classier and feel more beautiful!  I know I am not the only one out there who thinks that.

And if you do not have the money to faithfully get your nails done, then you are out of luck!   And we can easily pick up a bottle of nail polish and do it ourselves, however, how many of you are like me though and hate to paint your nails because they just end up chipping a day or two later?  How about paying for a manicure? NO WAY!  It just does not seem to last.

Well... I found the secret to great lasting nail polish!! 

A lot of beauty products make claims that they do not follow through on, so initially when I discovered this, I was skeptical but I tried it anyway.  I am IN LOVE!! <3   No lie, this stuff is fantastic.

You do not need a base coat.  You use the color of your choice and then the top coat, that is it!  I am obsessed with this color pictured but I am eager to venture out and try others.  The smell is not too bad and it dries quicker than regular nail polish.  

I decided to do my nails and documents how the polish held up... mind you these photos are after washing my hands many many times, showering, cooking, cleaning, laundry, going to the gym and so on.  So check it out! 

As you can see on day six, I am just now starting  to get chips in my polish.  I could easily go back and fill in the chips and add more top coat but if I decide not to, I can easily take polish remover and take it completely off (and once I remove it, my nails feel perfectly normal, no damage, no soft nails).  But seriously... SIX DAYS.

This company offers a huge selection of colors and they are continuing to add more colors as the seasons change.

If you are interested in purchasing some, I am more than happy to get it for you, let me know.  You can also look at amazon.com but you will not find this in stores.

I hope you enjoyed this review of a new product and try it out.  If you do, or have, comment on my blog and let me know your thoughts!

XOXO- B

Dandruff- What a mess!

You asked for it... you got it! 

This post is on dandruff... you can google and research the causes of dandruff until you are blue in the face, however, trying to find one specific cause of dandruff...  so... good luck!  But whatever the cause may be, it can be messy, embarrassing, and just plain unsightly.  

Since I am turning into a label freak, and trying to stay away from harmful chemicals, I decided to take the time and find the best natural ways to take care of dandruff.  These are things you can try at home, and are natural ingredients, but if you find nothing helps, you may need to see a doctor.

1. Yogurt.  Wash your hair and then put the yogurt on your scalp only and leave on for 10-15 minutes then wash out.

2.  Tea tree oil.  Tea tree is amazing!  You can use it for so many things (acne, body odor, anti-viral, cleaning, just to name a few).  You want to get a shampoo that has at least 5% tea tree in it, or you can buy a small jar of tea tree oil and put on on your scalp before shampooing.  You can also add tea tree oil to your current shampoo.

3.  Olive oil/Coconut oil. You can use either one of these as an overnight treatment.  Apply to your scalp only and sleep with it (just make sure you wrap your head in a towel or do something to protect your pillow.

4.  Baking soda.  Use this in place of your shampoo for two weeks.  Leave on for one minute and then wash it out.  Your skin should start producing oils again, moisturizing your scalp and relieving the dandruff. -- oh and while you are at it, use it as an exfoliate for your face.

5.  Apple cider vinegar.  Mix one part vinegar with one part water and pour onto hair and scalp after you shampoo your hair.  Leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse with water.  It will smell, there is no other way around it, but once you dry your hair, the smell should subside.  Try doing this once or twice a week.

6.  Egg.  Take two eggs, beat together and then apply to scalp, leaving it on for about an hour.  Not only will this help with the dandruff but it will condition as well! 

I am sure there are plenty more, but I think this is a good start.  Let me know if you have any known natural tricks that work, and if you try any of these, please feel free to share! 

Have a great night! 

XOXO-B

Paleo Challenge Day 14

So this past weekend, I did go off the challenge... no judgments... it was a birthday celebration and everyone brought such AMAZING food! Between cheesecake, canoli's, turkey chili, stir fry, delicious breakfasts-- french toast bake and bagel sandwiches how could I not!

So I lost a pound and gained a pound but then I started strict again as of Monday.

I haven't posted because it has been the typical eggs for breakfast, tuna every day for lunch mixed with avocado, raisins and nuts, and then a healthy chicken dinner with veggies.

I def need some new stuff though.

My workouts this week have been lacking though... it did consist of lifting my adorable nephew though!

Everybody say awwwwww!

Okay, but yesterday I tried a combat class at the Fit Club.

"Take kickboxing to the heavy bag!  Put on your boxing gloves and execute combinations of punches and kicks.  Add in some key conditioning to release your body and feel exhilarated.  YES! YOU CAN DO IT!" 

It started out with warming up using jump-ropes (I haven't used one of those since gym glass with Mrs. Capen), pushups and toe touches... multiple reps of each.  Then I put on boxing gloves for the first time in my life.  First off, let me say, these girls are awesome! Next, this whole workout made me practically throw up!  My lungs are also not conditioned, so it burnnnnnneddd like crazy!

This gym is gonna kick my butt but it is just what I need!! Cannot wait to go back again! Check out Jess on fb and her club!

https://www.facebook.com/FitClubMA

Here are two of my latest's meals ...