Author: muffinchanel.com

Top 10 – July Favorites

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

1. Victor & Rolf – Flowerbomb

My favorite fragrance of all time. Flowerbomb makes me happy. I first tried the ~~$25~~ $29 (prices have gone up!) rollerball from Sephora and fell in love. Try it if you haven’t already — very strong floral notes! Amazing!

2. Lancome Star Bronzer

Lancome’s Star Bronzer comes in six shimmer shades and three matte shades. I use my matte bronzer in shade 02 Sunkiss for slight conturing. This bronzer isn’t too dark or muddy and will look natural on many different complexions.

3. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

I love these cleansing wipes. With these, there is no excuse to not remove my makeup before going to bed. They remove all of your makeup and don’t leave your face feeling oily. The refill packs come with 25 wipes for about $4.50 – $7, depending on sales and where you shop. I’ve seen a 4 x 25ct. + 1x 14ct. at Costco for about $11! Best deal ever if you can get it.

Of course, it’s best to actually wash your face, but on those nights when you might be too tired, these will do the trick. You never want to go to bed with your makeup on!

4. Eggs Benedict

I’m not much of a “breakfast” person — I eat in the morning, but I don’t like “breakfast” foods….except for eggs benedict! Definitely my favorite breakfast-y food!

5. Very Berry Hibiscus Refreshers – Starbucks

I only recently have started drinking these again. I’ve talked about these before, and I still enjoy them every once in a while. Make your own!!

6. LUSH baths

Nothing is more relaxing or makes me feel cleaner than a LUSH bath. So perfect! My favorite combination is The Comforter and a Sex Bomb bath bomb. I love LUSH! See my other LUSH posts HERE, HERE, and HERE

7. Hair, Skin, and Nails pills – Andrew Lessman

I can see my nails growing and staying strong when I take these, but if I skip just one day, my nails will break. :/ But these, in combination with my B-12s help my nails to grow and stay strong. I don’t really notice a difference in my hair or skin, but I’m sure it’s helping in some way. These pills are packed with vitamins and biotin. You can get them from HSN.com.

8. Sam’s Town – The Killers

I loved The Killer’s – Battle Born, so I decided to re-discover some of their older music. I’ve been listening to Sam’s Town a lot lately and I love it.

9. Target App for iPhone

I love going to Target — I can get everything I want in one stop. Plus, it’s where I was able to find my Fitbit Fl ex when it was backordered online. Target has everything and the Target App has coupons for some of those items. Some is better than none! What’s awesome is that they can scan the coupon directly from your phone — no clipping coupons or having to remember to bring them when you shop.

10. Monster’s University

I really enjoyed this prequel to Monster’s Inc. Disney and Pixar make the best animated movies! And what’s even cooler is the website they made for the movie – http://monstersuniversity.com/edu/. How fun!

What have you been enjoying this July?

See my favorites from last month! (Top 10 – June Favorites)

See my August Favorites HERE

Tags andrew lessman, B12, bath, Beauty, bronzer, Costco, disney, eggs benedict, flowerbomb, fragrance, hair, Hibiscus, iPhone, Lancôme, lush, makeup, monster's university, Music, nail, Neutrogena, pixar, refresher, remover, sam's town, Sephora, skin, Skin Care, Starbucks, Target, the comforter, The Killers, very berry, Viktor & Rolf

Blog Lifestyle

California State Fair

Tags California, california state fair, fair, rides, statefairca

Blog Lifestyle

Farmer’s Market

Post author By muffinchanel.com
Post date 20 July 2013

Tags California, farmer's market, fresh, fruit, market, Pictures

Blog Health + Beauty

Sephora by OPI – gelshine™ At-Home Gel Colour System

Post author By muffinchanel.com
Post date 16 July 2013

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

The Sephora by OPI gelshine™ At-Home Gel Colour System is do it at home gel nail kit. It costs $160 and you pick your own color to include with the kit. Additional colors are $17.50.

The kit comes with:

0.29 oz gelshine™ Base Coat
0.29 oz gelshine™ Top Coat
0.29 oz gelshine™ Gel Colour (must add to cart separately)
gelshine™ LED Light
25 x Nail Pads
3 x Removal Nail Wraps
2 oz Nail Cleanser
Buffing block
2 oz Nail & Gel Colour Remover
0.3 oz Brush-On Cuticle Oil
Cuticle pusher
3 x gloves
Instructions

Prep the nails

Gently buff the surface of the nails with the Buffing Block

Spray some Nail Spray onto one of the Nail Pads and clean the nails

Apply Base Coat

Apply a thin layer of the Base Coat to your thumb. It’s super important to use a thin coat!

Cure the gel polish under the LED light

Cure the thumb first, then apply Base Coat to the other finger nails and cure them. The polish isn’t going to “dry” on it’s own, so you’ll want to do the thumb separately so it doesn’t smudge before it cures.

Apply Gel Polish

I used a super pale pink “Bare to be Different”, but Sephora offers 14 different shades on its website.

Thin coats! If you apply the polish too thick, it won’t last as long. Your manicure should last up to two weeks. Cure after each application of polish

Apply Top Coat

Cure your top coat and clean nails with the Nail Spray again to remove the tacky feeling.

Follow up with Cuticle Oil

This Gel Nail kit is awesome! You no longer have to wait for your nails to “dry”. After 30 seconds under the LED light, your manicure is safe. You can tell by the formula that it is professional quality. Use thin coats of polish to get a professional, long-lasting manicure.

I would like to see Sephora offer more colors of gel polish, but really you can use any LED gel polish you want.

In fact, I’ve done a gel base coat, a layer of regular nail polish, and then sealed it with a layer of gel top coat. Just make sure that if you’re going to layer in a “regular” nail polish, you let it dry completely before applying the gel top coat.

Tags Beauty, Color, gel, gel nails, LED, Manicure, nail, NailPolish, OPI, Sephora, summer

Blog Lifestyle

Laundry Day

Post author By muffinchanel.com
Post date 9 July 2013

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

There’s something really gratifying about a load of fresh laundry. Fluffy and warm from the dryer!

These Downy UNstopables and Tide Fabreeze Sport make my clothes smell amazing.

Tags clean, clothes, detergent, downy, fabreeze, laundry, tide, unstopables, wash

Blog Health + Beauty

Lush Haul

Post author By muffinchanel.com
Post date 8 July 2013

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

I ordered a few items from LUSH and just in the nick of time too. I’d run out of all my bubble bars over the weekend.

Tags haul, lush, lush cosmetics

Blog Health + Beauty

Aveeno Clear Complexion vs. Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream

Post author By muffinchanel.com
Post date 7 July 2013

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

Just a quick comparison of these two drugstore BB creams — the Aveeno Clear Complexion BB Cream and the Maybelline Dream Cream BB Cream.

Both BB Creams have a Broad Spectrum SPF 30. The Aveeno BB Cream is around $15 at drugstores and the Maybelline BB Cream is less expensive at around $9.

I had started using the Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream and really liked it. Application is easy and it gives medium to light coverage. The finish is slightly greasy, so I set it with a translucent powder and it lasts all day.

When I ran out of the Maybelline, I decided to give the Aveeno Clear Complexion BB Cream a try. The formula is much thicker than the Maybelline and it seems more dense. I prefer the pump on the Aveeno bottle; seems more sanitary. But the first pump of product always pushed out a clump of product that had dried and hardened inside the tip of the spout; gross. I’d find myself squirting out a pump onto a tissue just to get rid of the clump and wasting all that product.

Application of the Aveeno BB Cream was “smeary”. I’m not sure if it was my sunscreen underneath, or just the product itself, but it was always streaky on me. I’d set it with the translucent powder and it’d be fine, but only after blending/rubbing it off with my fingers. I’d find my skin looking shiny near the end of the day and my skin is never greasy.

So, I’ve switched back to my trusted Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream. It looks kind of scary-orange out of the bottle, but it blends into the skin quite nicely as an alternative to foundation.

Let me know what BB Creams you like. I’m interested in some high end ones as well.

Tags Aveeno, BB Cream, Maybelline, review

Blog Lifestyle

Pacific Grove, California

Post author By muffinchanel.com
Post date 5 July 2013

Tags Asilomar, California, Pacific Grove, Picture, Pictures, travel

Blog Health + Beauty

Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding – First Impressions

Post author By muffinchanel.com
Post date 3 July 2013

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

I picked up Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding from Target; $38 for the 16oz size. I’d never heard of Miss Jessie’s products, but I was interested to try it because it promised “no frizz and no crunchy curls.”

I told you I’ve been wearing my hair curly in my Summer Hair Don’t Care – 5 Tips to Protect Your Hair post. I had been using Catwalk Curlesque Defining Serum and the Catwalk Curlesque Curls Rock Amplifier by TIGI to help define my curls, but it can make my curls too crunchy if I use too much or make my hair frizzy if I use too little. So, I gave Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding a chance.

First Impressions

The smell of this lavender colored pudding is not good; it reminds me of Nair hair remover cream. The texture of the Curly Pudding is just like pudding — like a whipped jello.

To use the pudding, you rub a tablespoon sized amount on your palms, and distribute to through a section of your wet hair, from roots to ends. Repeat for each section until the pudding is on every section. Then, let your hair air dry or dry it with a diffuser.

With the smell and the unusual texture of this styling product, I almost couldn’t put it in my hair. Make sure you apply it in a well-ventilated room. After I finally distributed the product through my wet hair, I gently combed it out with a wide-tooth comb. I let my hair air dry and I really liked the results the next morning.

My curls were defined and soft — no crunch or plastic curl feel. However, the smell of product in my hair was still faint even the next day. :/ Despite the smell and texture, I’ll definitely use Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding again because the results were fantastic.

Tags catwalk, cream, curl, curls, curly, curly pudding, hair, Hair care, Jessie, miss jessie's, Nair, Pudding, review, Target

Blog Lifestyle

Top 10 – June Favorites

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

1. Breaking Bad (Streaming on Netflix)

This show is about meth. Basically, a high school chemistry teacher and his former student start making meth in New Mexico so that he can make money for his family before he becomes too ill with cancer. I’m just starting season 3 and the drug theme reminds me of the show, Weeds, but this show is slightly more hardcore.

2. B-12 Vitamins

I love my B-12 vitamins. Good for your metabolism, mental & physical energy, central nervous system health, and optimal digestion, these pills help me feel more energized and balanced.

3. Fitbit Flex

You all know how difficult it has been to find one of these fitness wristbands. I’ve been loving mine and all the data it’s tracking for me. From steps taken to sleep patterns — this wristband tracks it all discreetly and comfortably. See the complete review HE RE.

4. The Killers – Battle Born

This is my favorite album from The Killers and I’ve been listening to it on repeat all month long. See my posts from the concert in San Francisco HERE.

5. Sharpie Felt Tip Pens

I love the way these write. No frills, no guessing, no bleeding; just crisp black ink gliding across you paper.

6. Pura Vida Bracelets

I posted my pack of bracelets a while ago HERE, but I didn’t tell you about the company. Pura Vida Bracelets provides jobs for 30 Costa Rican artisans and it donates 1% back to The Surfrider Foundation through 1% for the Planet. In addition to that, Pura Vida Bracelets also makes special Charity bracelets to support different causes. So, not only can you mix and match these fun bracelets, but you’re also supporting a good cause too.

7. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

This palette is my go-to everyday palate. With 12 different neutral, yet shimmery colors, you’re sure to create a beautiful look for day or night. See my complete review HERE

8. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

I wanted to read the book before the movie comes out in November. I downloaded it on my phone and finished it in a couple days. Definitely worth the read although slightly disturbing :/

9. Tom Kha Gai Thai Soup with Jasmine Rice

If you like Thai food, you have to try this soup. Make sure you add a little extra spice. This coconut and chicken soup is my absolute favorite! I’ve even found a few recipes online (HERE, HERE, and HERE)so I can make my own. I’ll let you know how that turns out.

10. Nike+ Running App

I’ve told you about this app BEFORE. It’s a great way to track you runs by distance, speed, and pace. Challenge your friends or yourself while listening to your own playlists or feedback from the app. Check out the new Nike Coach Update!

What have you been enjoying this June?

Tags 2, app, B Complex, B12, Battle Born, Bone, Bracelets, Breaking Bad, Charity, Costa Rica, Ender's Game, eye shadow, favorites, Fitbit, Fitbit Flex, Flesh, Flex, Food, iPhone, Jasmine, June, Killers, Naked, New Mexico, Nike, Orson Scott Card, OSC, Palate, Pens, Pura Vida, Pura Vida Bracelets, Rice, Running, Sephora, Sharpie, Surfrider Foundation, Thai, The Killers, Tom Kha Gai, Tom kha kai, ulta, Urban Decay, Vitamins, Weeds

Blog Lifestyle

San Francisco, California — de Young Museum/Legion of Honor

Post author By muffinchanel.com
Post date 27 June 2013
1 Comment on San Francisco, California — de Young Museum/Legion of Honor

Tags Art, California, Legion of Honor, Monet, Museum, Picture, San Francisco, travel

Blog Health + Beauty

Night Time Skincare Routine – Updated

Post author By muffinchanel.com
Post date 25 June 2013
1 Comment on Night Time Skincare Routine – Updated

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

I know it’s only been a month since I posted my Night Time Skin Care Routine, but I’ve incorporated a few more products and I’m loving the results!

I start off the exact same way as before, but before using any serums, I cleanse my face with Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-aging Retinoid Pads.

These exfoliating pads come with the serum bottled separately. You pour the entire bottle of solution into the pads when you’re ready to start using them. Because the pads have retinoid to help reduce dark spots and brighten skin, it’s extremely important to wear sunscreen the next day when you are out — even if it’s overcast. The retinol can make you more sensitive to the sun.

After, using a Miracle Worker pad, I follow with the Lancome Genefique and Lancome Visionnaire as before. I’ll then follow with the Lancome Génifique Yeux Light-Pearl Eye-Illuminating Youth Activating Concentrate.

This eye serum is very cool and soothing to the under eye. The applicator is unique with its rotating tip. The serum is hydrating and absorbs well. I don’t have a problem with puffiness or wrinkles, so I can’t speak to those claims, but it helps my skin look brighter and moisturized. My makeup also goes on better in the morning after using this.

Next, I apply Lancome’s ABSOLUE PREMIUM Bx – Absolute Night Recovery Cream

This cream doesn’t mess around! I apply it to my face, neck, and chest. You’ll instantly feel more moisturized with this non-greasy cream. But by the morning, your skin will feel so much healthier and smoother. This cream is super expensive at $185 for 2.6oz, but it’s worth it.

Tags absolue, cleanse, eye cream, genefique, Lancôme, miracle worker, night, night time, philosophy, routine, Sephora, serum, Skin Care, skincare, visionnaire, wash

Blog Health + Beauty Lifestyle

Fitbit Flex – Eureka! First Impressions Review

Post author By muffinchanel.com
Post date 22 June 2013
1 Comment on Fitbit Flex – Eureka! First Impressions Review

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

I am so excited! I stopped by Target to pick up a few things and do my routine check to see if the Fitbit Flex had come in, and today I found it! So, of course, I picked one up and cancelled the order I made online.

They only had the black color available, which was my first choice anyway. They also had the extra wristband colors available in the three pack which I might consider later on.

***Update: I got the new Fitbit ChargeHR — see my first impressions here!

Once you unbox everything, you’ll need to go to fitbit.com/setup. Select your device, the Fitbit Flex, and it will download some software onto your computer. I’m doing all of this right now so you’re getting the first impressions.

Plug in your USB connector with the Tracker and Set Up a New Fitbit device. From there, you can set up a new Fitbit account or log into your existing one. I’m creating a new account.

Once you’re all set with your account, it’ll prompt you to plug in the Wireless Sync Dongle.

The Wireless Sync Dongle does a quick search for your device. Once it finds your device, you’ll have to double tap gently on the Tracker to “confirm” syncing.

Now, whenever your Fitbit Flex is within 20ft of your Wireless Sync Dongle, it’ll automatically sync. So cool!

Fitbit Flex 101

Charging

Your tracker battery lasts for about 5 days. To charge it, remove the tracker from the band and place it in the charger until all 5 lights are solid.

Syncing

When your Flex is within 20 feet of the Wireless Sync Dongle, your Flex will sync automatically with your Fitbit account. You can also sync via your smartphone if it supports Bluetooth Low Energy (4.0). Learn more about Supported Devices or about Syncing.

Wearing

Your Flex tracker should be placed inside the included wristband and worn on your non-dominant hand for best results. Flex is water resistant and can be worn in the shower and out in the rain.

Goals

On the dashboard, see your progress towards goals for:

• Steps
• Calories Burned
• Distance
• Very Active Minutes

Goal Progress

Each light on your Flex tracker represents 20% of your goal. When you reach your goal, Flex will buzz and flash in celebration of your achievement.

Changing Goals

To choose which goal is shown on your Flex display, go toDevice Settings in your account. You can change a goal amount on the corresponding Dashboard tile.

Tracking Sleep

Sleep tracking can be turned on by tapping the top of the Flex display area until you feel the motor vibrate and the 2 outer lights turn on. Once in sleep tracking mode, the Tracker will show two lights moving side-to-side.

Forgot to turn on sleep tracking?

You can add a sleep log on the website or mobile app. Go to the Sleep section and add a sleep log. Need help? Learn More.

Silent Alarms

Set a Silent Alarm from the Devices area of your account.

Overall, I’m impressed with how small and lightweight the wristband is. The tracker came 80% charged, so I’m just waiting until that fifth light stays solid before I start wearing the device.

See my updated review HERE

Tags Back order, black, dashboard, dominant hand, dongle, First Impressions, Fitbit, Fitbit Flex, fitness, fitness band, Flex, I found it, iPhone, Slate, Target, tracker, wireless sync, wrist band, wristband

Blog Health + Beauty

Summer Hair Don’t Care – 5 Tips to Protect Your Hair

Post author By muffinchanel.com
Post date 22 June 2013

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

I’ve been wearing my curly hair naturally — no flat ironing or curling. Even though I always use a heat protectant when styling, I’ve noticed my hair looks healthier without added heat. No surprise there, but I started reading about other ways I can protect my hair.

Here are 5 ways you can protect your hair during summer….and all year long.

1. Use a wide-tooth comb

It’s summer time — you’re in and out of the pool, relaxing at the beach or the lake, or just showering the sweat away — your hair is getting wet possibly more than usual. It’s important to be gentle with you wet hair; it’s weaker when it’s wet. Brushing through your wet hair with a brush will pull your hair and can cause breakage. Using a wide-tooth comb is more gentle. Start combing from the bottom and work your way up to the roots. If your hair gets very knotty, use a detangling spray to help you comb through.

This detangling comb from The Body Shop is $7.

This Wide-Tooth Comb from Silk Elements is infused with olive oil and wheat germ. $4 from Sally’s Beauty Supply

2. Avoid heat styling

Like I said before, added heat can be rough on your hair. Of course a heat protectant can help, but especially during summer, try to avoid extra heat.

3. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase

A silky pillowcase will allow your hair to slide and glide freely. Standard cotton pillowcases can absorb the natural oils from your hair, drying it out. Cotton can also cause your hair to stick and with your head turning, your hair could snag and break.

A silk pillowcase can also be hydrating to your hair because of it’s natural amino acids.

Sleepnbeauty.com highlights some things to keep in mind when searching for your silk pillowcase.

4. Ribbon Hair Ties

If you’re like me and you wear a lot of ponytails, you should try Ribbon Hair Ties. When I wear my ponytails in the same spot, I notice some breakage where I tie the usual Goody hair ties. Nothing is wrong with traditional Goody hair ties, especially if you adjust the height of your ponytail regularly, but ribbon-type hair ties are much more gentle on your hair.

They’re basically an elastic ribbon, tied in a knot. You could make your own or you can buy them from a number of retailers.

5. Don’t wear you purse on your shoulder

If your shoulder bag rests on your hair, it could be causing breakage. Constant tugging on your hair on the same spot can make your hair weak. Try switching up your bag placement, or being mindful to move your hair out of the way before taking your bag.

Obviously, the healthier your hair, the less likely it is to break. If you already have dry hair or split ends, a good hair cut can give you a fresh start and always looks great for summer.

Tags Beauty, grow, hair, hair journey, haircare, protect your hair, summer beauty, summer hair