Rough Enough

Sorry, I have been gone for a while, but I have been trying desperately to find something great to share with you all. I think when I try too hard to find something fabulous, it's even harder to find...and, I think the same can be said about boys. Sometimes you have to just let fabulous finds come to you. You girls know what I am talking about;)

I was up late one night and saw an infomercial for Heel Tastic and DING, I was on a mission!!! Once I found my Heel Tastic, I went home and put it to work. I will have to say that it was easy and mess free to apply. You don't have to get your hands covered in heavy creams or oils, and it goes on like a roll-on deodorant. Heel Tastic has a very distinct smell..it's not bad, but it's also not great. The smell is lemongrass & ginger, so it's a strong yet natural smell. I use mine at night after I clean my feet...I roll it on and put on some socks. I would recommend giving your feet a good scrub with a sand stone or loofah before the initial application. Scrubbing just helps get rid of some of the unwanted dead skin and helps the product absorb into the skin better, so you can get faster results. All in all, I think this is a great product and worth a shot, and with sandal weather right around the corner, it's time to get our heels into shape.

I happened to find my Heel Tastic at CVS Pharmacy for about $10.00. I noticed that my Walgreens is not doing as many "as seen on tv" products these days, so check CVS because they now have a small section of these goods. I know you can also order this product on line at www.heeltastic.com or at www.amazon.com.

XX~Ash

Prime Time

Do I have a wonderful product for you!!! I have been using Smashbox Photo Finish, Foundation Primer, for a few years now, and it is an amazing product. This primer makes your makeup go on so smooth and look flawless.

On the Smashbox site, www.smashbox.com, they say it like this:

Create a perfect canvas for foundation application with this silky, lightweight blend of vitamins A & E, grape seed extract and green tea. Worn alone or under foundation to increase its longevity, our best-selling primer helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for flawless skin with a velvety-smooth finish. In a new square airless pump for freshness to the last drop.

Sephora's site, www.sephora.com said it like this:

Photo Finish Foundation Primer, What it is:

Smashbox makeup artists use this product to create a perfect canvas for foundation application.

What it is formulated to do:

The silky blend of vitamins and antioxidants smoothes and perfects skin, while the unique formula helps to inhibit the destruction of collagen, and fills in fine lines and pores for a flawless finish.

What else you need to know:

Use after moisturizer and before foundation for complexion perfection. This skin-soothing blend of antioxidants, which can be worn alone or under foundation, works overtime to fill in fine lines and even out skin texture.

It is a little pricey, so I recommend getting the travel size which is 0.5 oz. and runs $16 to $17.00 Then when you fall in love with this product, you can go for the 1 oz. bottle, and it runs $36 to $42.00. It also comes in different shades that have different benefits, so you can find the one most custom to your needs. Smashbox is one of my favorite cosmetic lines, they really have so many fabulous products, and I am shocked I have not covered any of them till now!!! For more back story and all things Smashbox check out www.smashbox.com

XX~Ash

Holy Crap!

Ladies, have you heard of this wonderful product called Poo-Pourri? Well if not, let me be the first to fill you in. First, let me say that this is not a subject that I like to talk about and if you know me, you are probably shocked at this post - LOL!!! Poo-Pourri is a liquid that you spray in the potty BEFORE you go #2, and it hides the oder so you can walk away from the bathroom with no shame:) P00-Pourri says it like this: "Spritz the bowl before you go and no one else will ever know"...kind of cute hu? It is not a room freshener and does not have a strong scent. I don't pretend to know how it work, but I just know that it does. My girlfriend Julie told me about this fabulous stuff and takes hers everywhere she goes. Julie even took it on a girls trip we had together, and she made sure to tell us,"please be discreet and use the Poo-Pourri if you are going to go the dreaded #2." Thanks Julie!!! I found my little bottle of Poo-Pourri at a boutique in Colleyville, Texas called the Pink Hanger. It's only 2 fl.oz., and the cost was $9.95 and worth every penny!!! I know you can find this stuff in many places, but if you can't find it at a store or boutique near you check out, www.poopourri.com or call this Dallas number (972)818-8200. I love this stuff so much that I am thinking of getting one for all my bathrooms and one to travel with...YEP, I like it that much:) Now, if we could only make every man carry a bottle of Poo-Pourri with him at all times, the world would be a fresher place!

Here's to being discreet!!!

XX~Ash

Paper Dolls with Polyvore

[219]. A Warm Cup of Coffee by ♥נαzzγ●ℓσνє♥ featuring Bottega Veneta shoes

A friend of mine (Stephanie E.) recently turned me on to this wonderful website, www.polyvore.com. I could be on this site for hours on end, playing with different outfits and style ideas. The only thing that I know to compare it to is playing with paper dolls when you were a little girl. Not only can you put outfits together from head to toe, but you can find out where to buy these amazing fashions!!! Now go play and have some fun with fashion!!!

XX~Ash

Lash Masquerade

When I go to the Drug store, I am always on the hunt for a new and fabulous mascara, and it seems that all you ladies are too. I have always been a fan of most Mabelline Mascaras and Great Lash (Very Black) with the curved brush is at the top of that list, and I recommend it to anyone. The only problem I have with Great Lash is at the end of the day it is hard to get it all off.

TIP: if you have problems getting your mascara off after you have washed your face, put a little face lotion on a Q-Tip and rub it back and forth under your eyes right up into your lash line. It is great for getting every last bit of mascara off your eyes.

Another mascara that I am a HUGE fan of right now is Loreal, Bare Naturale (pictured above). I got my mom and a few friends hooked on this wonderful little mascara, and they all have had great results! First off, it is good for sensitive eyes or people with allergies. I like to call it my everyday mascara because it goes on thick but feels light and makes your lashes look long and thick. Also, it’s easy to remove at the end of the day and even better than that it’s cheep and you can get it all over the place. Those were my low end finds, but if you like to get your mascara at a department store, my two favorites are Lancome, Definicls and Chanel, Inimitable Multi-Dimensionnel

(Amy W., that one is all your fault, thanks a lot!) Both of these mascaras go on smooth, with no clumps, and make your lashes look long and perfectly separated.

I took a very informal survey via Facebook and e-mail of what mascaras you ladies love and why, and here are your results:

Christian Dior, Diorshow. It is the best for making my lashes so full and plump!

Lancome, Definicils..I love it. It goes on thin, not clumpy.

Loreal, HIP. It is like Lancome Definicils but half the price!

Loreal, Original Voluminous mascara in blackest black. No clumps and a couple of swipes makes my lashes pop. They look full and long. Easy wash off and best of all, no department store price.

Loreal, Original Voluminous Waterproof. For those of you who have oily skin and have problems with “raccoon eyes” or flaking, this one is for you.

Mabelline, Great Lash because it's cheap and magazines always say it is the best, but I haven't found one that I really love.

Maybelline, Lash Blast Hydrofuge....black, very black!!!

Bourjois, Volume Glamour Mascara.....The BEST! :)

Covergirl, Color Blast Hydrofuge

Clinique, High Impact mascara. No clumping, goes on thick the first coat, and doesn't smudge. It's great!

Almay mascara, for those who are allergic to most other mascaras.

I was so surprised to see that everyone has a different favorite. I was sure it would come down to a few that everyone liked...boy was I wrong, lol!!! Thanks to all you ladies who gave me your input, and I look forward to trying every one of your favorites:) If you did not get a chance to put your two cents in, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Here are a few mascara basics:

1. Wiggle the mascara wand when applying to separate and get a clean even coat - it also prevents clumps. Hints why they are doing the vibrating wands now.

2. If you like a bit more drama and are a 2 coat kind of gal, make sure you put that second coat on before the first one dries because this prevents that dreaded spider eye look or the Tammy Faye Baker look, YUCK!

3. If you don’t want a second coat but do like a bit more drama, BLINK the tips of your lashes onto the wand a few times, but do it before the first coat dries.

4. Last and most important, don’t hang on to your beloved mascara for more than a few months. Mascara can harbor bacteria, causing major problems for your eyes and delicate skin around your eyes.

XX~Ash

Huggable

2 words Huggable Hangers!!!  If you don't have these amazing little hangers, run out and get some...you will thank me later!  The other day I got 3 boxes full of these little jewels from Michelle in the mail for an early birthday surprise.  Needless to say my evening was full of transforming my closet from old plastic hangers to my new beautiful pink Huggable Hangers! These hangers are special because they are covered in a soft velvety fabric that will keep your clothes from slipping.  They are also very compact, which helps double, even triple your closet spaces, what girl would not love that?  If that is not enough, they are also curved just so to prevent your clothes from being deformed...you know, the dreaded "titty sholders."   They come in great colors and also kid size too(:  I have found them on several occasions on sale at Target for $2.50 for 5 hangers, regular price is about $5.00.  I know Michelle finds them on HSN, and they came 18 (assorted: 9 pant & 9 shirt) to a box.  I'm not sure on the price.  I am sure of this, you will never look at hangers the same way.  I said bye bye to my tacky plastic hangers!!!

XX-Ash

Make it Quick!

If you are like me, you are always needing a quick manicure and pedicure but just can't find the time.  Well, do I have a few great products to make those quick manicures and pedicures easier for all us busy ladies!  First off - if you have not tried the Sally Hansen: Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pens, they are awesome! You can get these all over the place: ULTA, Walgreens, Walmart, etc...and they run about $6.00.  This pen has a small built in brush that dispenses little bits of nail polish, which you control with a pump.  I like to do two coats for even color, but to each their own.  When I am finished, I like to clean off the brush with a paper towel so it does not get sticky and gooey and is ready for the next time I am on the go.  Also, I know that O.P.I. does a product just like this, and my friend Melissa says they are just as fabulous.  It's just such a great concept - some very smart and busy women must have come up with this product.  Yeah, Girl Power!!!

Another product you will need for your quick mani and pedi is the Cutex: Manicure Correction Pen.  Again, you can get these all over the place and they run about $3.00.  It's like a marker filled with nail polish remover to help you correct any boo boos that you may have made while applying your nail color.  This pen will make even the messiest of nail painters look like pros in the end(:

These products are small and easy to travel with for fast touch ups.  I am love, love, loving these two products!!!  Now go get fabulous(:

XX-Ash