Coffee Syrups

Coffee syrups have been my new latest craze. I love all the fancy iced coffees and lattes. The problems? Expense and time. I'm always running late or right on time for work so stopping somewhere in the morning is out of the question. These drinks also get pricey when you want them all the time. Solution? Attempt to make fancy coffees at home. 

I started out with the Torani sugar free vanilla syrup and making a macchiato. These were yummy and of course made me want to explore more. The Torani bottle was small for the price but tasted yummy. I would love to find bigger bottles of these and a bigger selection in stores rather than online. Most stores near me carry the classics like vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut.

I found some of the Jordan’s sugar free syrups which seemed to be a much better value. I got a larger bottle for about the same price as the Torani and was able to find some seasonal flavors. I got pumpkin spice and maple bourbon pecan. So far I’ve only tried the pumpkin but I’m highly disappointed. I was hoping for Starbucks or Dunkin flavor and the syrup tastes very chemical/fake to me. I’m thinking maybe it’s the sugar free stuff in it, but i’m not sure. I probably wouldn’t buy again and may not even make it through the bottle. I’m hoping the bourbon one is a little better but I don’t have high hopes. 

So if you’re looking for some fancy coffee syrups… I’d probably stick with the Torani brand out of these two. Sometimes the higher price is worth it. 

Sunday Routine

I guess to start and jump back into this I will start with my typical Sunday evening routine. I try to do this every week to make sure I'm taking care of my skin and to provide some relaxation before the start of the work week.

So once my last load of laundry is in the dryer or everything is folded (I do laundry once a week and always on the weekend), I reach for the remote, put on some tv and then head to the bathroom to do some weekly relaxation/skin care.

I start with my facial cleanser - right now I'm using Ponds cold cream. I do love this stuff and it gets my makeup off pretty well while adding a little extra moisture back to my skin. This is really important as we enter those colder months. I put it on my face dry and then rinse and take it off with a washcloth and some hot water. I feel like this gets it off, doesn't leave a film, and provides some gently exfoliation as well helps get the makeup off better. This is my typical routine if I'm washing my face at night before bed.

Once my face is clean, I start with an exfoliator. I'm using my Kate Somerville ExfoliKate. It is a little pricey but is so gentle on my skin. I don't use a ton of it but rub it all over for maybe 30 seconds and then let it sit on my face for 3 minutes. I then once again take my washcloth and rinse it off. This exfoliator doesn't feel as rough as some that I've tried. I love the smell of it too. As much as I love it though, I'm not sure I would pay the price tag on it. Mine was a gift though so I will love it while it lasts.

After my face is clean and dead skin is gone, it's time for a face mask. I do this after the exfoliator because I tell myself that it's easier to get all the gunk out if the dead cells are already gone. Right? So currently I'm using the Origins Charcoal Mask called "Clear Improvement". This bottle has lasted me forever and is $26. I leave my face wet from after rinsing my exfoliator off. As the mask sits on your face you can start to feel it drying and tightening. I leave it on for anywhere from 30 min or more usually. I don't do mine super thick but put more on my problem spots like my nose or anywhere I have a breakout happening. Once again, I rinse this off with my washcloth to help get it all off.

Now that my skin is clean, buffed, and my pores are hopefully clean and empty, I load up on moisturizer. Since I know that I've probably stripped the moisture out of my face with all three of these treatments, I typically use my Simple "Water Boost Skin Quench Sleeping Cream". This is a thicker moisturizer and feels so luscious on my face. Lately this has been my usual night cream of choice but I love it after my face mask. I feel like it really puts the moisture back in my face and I wake up with such soft skin. It doesn't have a ton of additives or anti aging though. But for when I need an extra boost of moisture, I always reach for this one.

If you have a Sunday routine, share it with me! I'm always looking for new products to add to my regimen and to see some of yours! It's a great way to learn from each other and self care is so important these days. Even if it's as simple as washing your face.

Hello Again.

So it's been forever since I've used this but I'm thinking with all the new products that I've been trying accompanied with all the things happening in my life right now... it's a good time to get back into this.

With that being said, I'd love to see this and Twitter become more interactive. So be prepared for some life updates and a ton of product reviews coming your way with some of my favorite products and some new ones I'm trying out!

Talk soon

Xoxo

Product Review 2 - Kat Von D Lock It Tattoo Foundation

So, I did a review on this foundation. I did enjoy this foundation, but unfortunately I had to return it.

It does give excellent coverage but it wasn't the right shade for me. The one that I ended up buying didn't blend well with my skin tone and looked way too dark, for my liking. I went to return it and even the lightest shade that Sephora carried wasn't light enough and didn't math my skin tone and color as well as I would have liked. Yes, I am that pale. The color I needed, is sadly not carried at Sephora anymore.

My mom however, also bought this foundation and LOVES it. She wears it everyday, and has no issues with it not matching. She's a tad bit darker than I am. I would still recommend this foundation, but it can be easy to look too dark if you're mismatched.

When I returned it, I exchanged is for YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation. I haven't yet tried it but when I do, I will be posting my reviews on it. The YSL foundation is priced a little higher at $57.00 compared to the Kat Von D at $34.

Product Review - aveeno nourish + condition leave in treatment

I found this one sale at Walgreen for $4 and decided why not try it! I didn't know much about this product but aveeno is normally always pretty good and this product didn't disappoint. 

It says to use everyday but I use maybe once or twice a week since my hair isn't that damaged or dry, and normally feels super soft after my shower. The directions are to just spray in and comb through. 

My main concern with this product that it was going to make my hair greasy. It didn't! My hair is thick but fine and most of the time it looks greasy if I don't wash it every day and this didn't affect that. If didn't make it any greasier. I was very thrilled. 

This product did make my hair super soft after using and I could still feel the effects the next day. It wasn't super heavy and was overall a product I would buy again. Like I said, I only use it maybe twice a week just to help and for extra even though I probably don't "need" it. So if you're looking for a leave in conditioner I would definitely recommend this one. It's easy to use and easy to apply. Not messy at all. I normally used my fingers to comb through and then just rinsed my hands off. Nothing major! Great purchase! Although at walgreens it was probably $8-$10 not on sale, but the bottle is maybe 1/3 used and I've had it for a month. So it's a decent value too! 

Kate Somerville - Ultimate Kate Rewards

I'm sure that you've heard all the hype about Kate Somerville and her products. And yes, they can be expensive. Her products are top of the line quality and you get what you pay for.
I recently just purchased her book, "Complexion Perfection" and am reading it now to find better ways to try and take care of my skin. No, i don't have what I would call "problem skin" but I'm realizing that as I enter my 20s this is a time that matters and establishing a skincare regimen now, is in my best interest.
Kate does this thing where you can join for free rewards, which is what I'm currently doing. As a broke college kid, I find ways to get things for free or for cheaper than retail value so that I still get what I want and what's nice and good quality. By joining Kate's reward program, you build points that you can use for a gift card or a free cleanser, which HELLO FREE MONEY OR FREE ITEM? I will take it!
By clicking the link and signing up, you're on your way to earning points and helping me earn some too :)
Thank you to everyone who signs up for email or the program, and I hope that you fall in love with her as much as I am right now!
http://bit.ly/1mR9zPy

If you do sign up, please send me an email or a comment with your e-mail so I can get the points. :) 
blondiegirl.xo26@gmail.com

Speck Fabshell Case Review #2

So, i'm back to do another review on this case! I am IN LOVE. This case has met all of my expectations, and I would buy another in a different design any day :)
So, my initial review was correct! This case does provide adequate drop protection. I have dropped my phone several times with this case on... at home, getting out of my car... and nothing. My screen is fine and I'm assuming the rest of the phone is too. And yes, I have dropped it face down... getting out of my car onto the concrete. But all is good!
The top button/lock button was the only negative thing that I saw with this case... but as time went on, the button became easier to press and I no longer even think about it. It's not an issue at all.
I had seen some negative reviews about the fabric coming off, I haven't experienced that at all.. and my phone is in constant use. My phone sleeps with me, I'm on it almost every minute that I'm awake, and my fabric is still fine. I end up having to charge my phone at least once a day because it's almost dead, yes, I have a small issue with being "Addicted" to my phone.
I have nothing negative to say about this case, and love it. I love the fact that it's cute. I wish speck would come out with new designs, I would totally buy more!