Hair 411!

Last Week we posted some skin care tips that we found on the Lauren Conrad "Beauty". This week we are going to provide you with some hair care tips that we have found from the same book. When it comes to hair girls will be one of the first ones in line to know the secrets, and new tips that are coming out in order to enhance their skin or hair. Can't blame them I would do the same thing. Away to describe our hair would be dead. Yea it is sad to hear but its true our hair is dead and the more we do to it like dying it, blow drying it, or using any hair tool that uses heat it damages and kills it more. 

How frequently do you think you should wash your hair?

a. Everyday
b. Once a week
c. Every other day

Well their is NO right answer!

a. Everyday

Some people like washing their hair everyday but it doesn't make it right or wrong.If you wash your hair everyday you strip the oil from the scalp, causing your follicles to produce sebum at  ahig rate. Since sebum is the oil that make sour hair greasy and helps it stay healthy.

b.Once a week

Some people say that washing your hair once a week is good but imagine having your hair dirty for a whole week. I think I wouldnt be able to do it. If you wash it once a week you allow your hair to produce more oil and your hair stays healthy.

c.Every other day

Im the type of person that washes her hair every other day becausse before i would wash it everyday and I've noticed that my scalp was getting to dry and thats because i kept on washing away the oil that helped my hair stay alive. Another advantage of washing your hair every other day means that you wont be blow drying it everyday. A way to keep your hair from looking messy every morning is by sleeping in a loose braid the night before or two braids.

Ingredients to Avoid!!

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS & SLES)

This is mostly found in shampoo. They are skin irritant, their also studies on how it can damage the immune system, and if it's combined with other ingredients it becomes carcinogenic.

FYI: Carcinogenic means it is potential to cause cancer.

• Triethanolamine

It's NOT carcinogenic on it's own, but if it interacts with other chemicals it will become carcinogenic.

• Propylene Glycol

This is a humectant. It can also cause dermatitis, eczema, hives, and it can get worst to kidney, liver, and brain problems.

We also have 3 hair masks that Lauren recommended!

1. Coconut Oil: cover the ends of your hair with a tablespoon of coconut oil and then twist it into a low bun. Cover it with a plastic wrap and leave it for a minium of 30 minutes. Then shampoo and confition your hair as usual in the morning.
2. Avocado: Mash up an entire avocado and mix it with 4 tablespoons of yogurt and one egg white. Apply to two-thirds of your hair. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes. The egg and yogurt porivde protein for weakened hair while the avocado softens the strands. Then remove with lukewarm water make sure the water isn't that hot because the egg will cook on your head. I dont think you want to experience that.
3. Olive Oil & Mayonnaise: Mix an equal amount of olive oil and mayonnaise in a container. Apply it by beginning at the ends and work your way up but dont apply to you scalp. After 30 minutes was it with lukewarm water. This helps dry brittle hair a shot of moisture and antioxidants.

Personally I'm going to try the olive oil & mayonnaise it sounds nasty but I want to give it a try. I'm going to apply it 3 times a week for a month! Beginning today April 5, 2013 - May 5, 2013. I will be posting the end results in a month.!!

This is how my hair looks now! Will see in a month if my hair looks more shinny.

Tips:

• When taking a shower apply conditioner with a comb it helps your hair not to get tangle when you get out of the shower.
• Dont use heat when your hair is wet.
• Dont pull your hair into overly tight ponytails. It can pull your hair out and give you headaches within the day.
• Avoid sleeping with ponytails secured in elastic.
• When your shampooing or rinsing your hair with water massage your scalp with your fingertips. it increases blood circulation in that area and promotes growth.
• Dont forget to take vitamins, eat enough iron, which can be found in beans, lentils, and spinach. This can help your hair grow.

Hope you enjoyed & until next time. If you want to try one of the hair mask monthly challenge with me. Just let me know. I would be glad to know someone is willing to try this. =)

Everyday Gloss Reviews for Spring!

So the one thing we think every girl needs for everyday is a little gloss! Not lipstick, but gloss. It's something you put on everyday or when you only have 5 minutes and need a little *. So here are our reviews of our favorites glosses and what we like, don't like, and which we can't be without!
So read & give us your feedback and as always Happy Shopping!

So we have 4 glosses that we use everyday. Working in an environment with children my make-up has to be toned down and definitely has to be something that lasts. I can't spend my day touching up my lips. So here are my for must haves! 1.Loreal lip gloss 2.Stila Lip Wand 3.C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint & 4.Rosebud Lip Salve.


The first gloss is by L'Oreal. It is the Colour Riche lip gloss. It is #220 Rich Rose. I like this color because it is very subtle and glides on smoothly. I love the fact that it is not over shiny. It's also perfect when you want to carry  it in your pocket since the size is only 23 fl. oz. I like to put it on when I am ready to go home. Or if I'm meeting someone after work. Even thought it has all these great aspects to it, it doesn't last as long as I would like it to. =( It last the max 2-3 hrs. But at a $7.99 price I think it is still worth having.

 

 

 

 

The next lip gloss is one of our favorites! It is the Stila lip glaze. In Banana Berry. Now these are a little on the pricey side, but I think worth the money. The regular size 0.08 fl. oz. cost $22. The one I have I bought @Ulta. I got them at a deal of 3 for $15, but the sizes are smaller at 0.05 fl. oz. & with their Ulta coupons we paid less than $15. Now when you first try these you have to find out how many clicks before your gloss comes out. Too little twists & no gloss and too many and too much! Now the one thing I have to say is that the color lasts all day. And I did count the hrs. a full 8! The only pet peeve that I have and I don't know  if my environment plays a role in it is that even though my lips have this beautiful soft color, my lips are dry. Not to the point where they are chapped, but you can feel when your lips are dry. So I put a little chapstick before I apply my gloss and it works perfectly. I just can't get over the fact that the color lasts. That's why it's expensive cause it lasts and definitely worth having 1 pricey gloss in your collection.

Now every girl is going to know this gloss. We all buy it when we buy our lotions, body wash, or other relaxing luxury at Bath and Body Works. This is the C.O. Bigelow Mentha lip Tint in #1644 Pink Mint. It is 0.5 oz. Now they normally retail at a price of $7.50 but I bought mine at a deal of 3 for $15 and also had a coupon. So less than $15! They are also small and slim that they fit in your pocket so you can carry them with you anywhere. These are great but the thing that bothers me is that they don't last! You have to keep reapplying and it may be because your drinking something or plain and simple you can't stop licking your lips because it tastes so good. Admit it cause I've unconsciously have done that. Anyway they are great to use when you ate something and don't have a mint or candy. It is something I wear only when I'm running errands or even if I want a little shine when I go to the gym. It's always in my bag.Either way it's still a great product at a great price!



 

 

 Now the last product we are writing about is our all time favorite and use until it is completely gone and used up. And I mean gone! It is Smith's Rosebud Lip Salve. It comes in a little cute round tin and is 0.8 oz. I bought mine at Sephora for $6. I have also found it at Barneys, Nordstrom, Anthropologie, and Urban Outfitters for the same price. Now many people are going to say they don't like rose scented balm. This salve has a hint of the rose scent. And man oh man does it do wonder for your lips. The other great thing is that this not only work on your lips but it can be used to heal dry skin, yep I use it on my hands, elbows or any other dry patch I might have. It helps with diaper rash, blemishes, detergent burns, rough cuticles, and softens rough hands! Yep it does it ALL! It says it on the bottom of the tin. This is definitely in my drawer at work and always in my bag. If you don't care for gloss or lipstick this lip salve is definitely the one thing you need!

 

 

So these are our favorite glosses for Spring. Remember the color should be based on where your going to use it the most so you don't end up with a color you barely use or decide it's not right for you. That's why we always stick to neutrals, because of where we work and what we do everyday. Not that we don't have a couple of sexy or bold colors in our collection but this is where we get the most out our money from these four glosses. Remember to leave any comments or suggestions we are more than open to trying new products. Til' next time!

 

Davis Theater!

Davis theater is a wonderful, comfortable, and affordable place to go to. Today is Friday the first day of the weekend and no one wants to stay home. Take a little break from your busy week. So take breathe and reward yourself. Go check out Davis it's located on 4614 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL. Also don't forget to enjoy the beautiful paintings that decorate their walls.

Ticket prices are very affordable;
-$5.75 until 6pm
-$8.25 there after
**Children & Seniors $5.75 (at ALL times)**
2 year olds and younger are FREE

Movies playing today are;

G.I.Joe:Retaliation
12:10pm.  2:30pm. 5:00pm. 7:20pm. 9:45pm.

Olympus has Fallen
12:00 pm. 2:30 pm. 5:00 pm. 7:30 pm. 10:00 pm.

Oz the great and powerful
1:00 pm. 3:45 pm. 6:45 pm. 9:30 pm.

The Croods
12:30 pm.  2:45 pm. 4:50 pm. 7:10 pm. 9:20 pm.

** For other day showtimes you can check their website**


Here are some pictures of the theater I hope you enjoy & have a great weekend:-)

stay tune for this weeks new posts..! 

Thrift Treasures!!!

*PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PLAY MACKLEMORE'S THRIFT SHOP WHEN READING*
As every girl knows fashion is a big part of our daily lives, whether we want it to or not. But not every girl can afford to be up to latest fashion. So what is a girl to do??? Well this is what I do. I thrift shop. Yes THRIFT SHOP! Now I know what your going to say, (With a puzzled look on your face) "Thrift shop?" Yes. Let me tell you that you would be surprised at what you would find at these stores. Today I will show you one of my favorite finds. I might want to add that my heels were more than the whole outfit put together!

So this is my favorite find, a sheer White House Black Market top. In stores this shirt can be at a starting price of $40.00 or more. I found it at the thrift store for only $4.00! It's roomie and very versatile for a day or night look. I wore a Gap outlet white tank under so you could see through but I would normally wear a black tank under. The tank was only $5.00. In my experience the tanks from Gap outlet are just as good as the ones from Gap. The prices are even better! Now to make the look everyday I paired it with skinny jeans from Forever21. Now I normally don't buy jeans from there, but decided to give them a try. I really like them for a couple of reasons: 1.They are higher in the waist. (they tuck your tummy a little bit if you need it) 2.they stretch in the right places.(I'm not a skinny girl so my calves need a little extra room) 3.They don't stretch out too much so you don't keep pulling your jeans at the end of the night. (Been there and hate that). I added a cute grey purse which has no brand and only cost me a $1.00 at the thrift store. It was in such good condition and all it needed was a little wash. You would never be able to tell it was bought at a thrift shop if you saw me walking down the street. Now the heels I bought last year at Payless and cost me $29.99. Yes Payless is getting awesome designers and moving on up from the days when I got my shoes there as a little girl.

So the shoes were $29.99+tax. My whole outfit was drumroll please.....$20.88! +tax Now I don't know about you, but saving $$$ and still getting clothes. Sounds good to me. So give your local thrift shop a try and be amazed by what you find! Til' next time


These were also found at thrift shop which I was so excited about. Even though pink is not my color I could not pass these up. They were too good of a deal at only $2.00!!!! Happy Shopping!

Mmmmm Yummy Dessert Time!

Last week 2 Broke Girls in the City posted one of our favorite places to go eat. Well today I choose to introduce you to one of my favorite places to go get a dessert. Who doesn't love ice cream? I do! I LOVE getting a Vero Gelato from Mariano's Fresh Market. The one i go to is located on 3350 N. Western Ave, Chicago, IL. I normally get a small size because I'm starting to watch my calories. I don't want the summer to come and I feel unsatisfied with my body. So I rather just play it safe with a small size. Here is the link to the menu you can check out the other things that Vero Coffee & Gelato can offer. http://www.marianos.com/Vero-Menu.aspx. Since my cousin is still on her last week of lent she couldn't be part of this but next week I'm definitely going to take her to get one.

Sizes

• Mini - $1.00
• Small - $2.99
• Medium - $3.99
• Large - $4.99

Flavors

(Flavors change within time so its better to buy it now then never.!)

• Coconut
• Peanut Butter Cup
• Pistachio
• Strawberry
• Vanilla
• Pomegranate
• & many more that I can't remember

Mine was a strawberry gelato, because I love strawberries!!!!

What's is your favorite gelato flavor?

New Release Tuesday!

Good Morning! So here we are again, It's Tuesday! So lets see what new movies are out today and I've added a couple of cd's too that are new and available at a store near you today! Now I didn't get the prices of all the retailers, but this is what I have for you today enjoy!

Lincoln: I am very excited for this release. I definitely think this is a must-have to any movie collector out there. You get Daniel Day Lewis, Sally Field, and the cherry on top Joseph Gordon Levitt all in one.
             *Barnes and Noble: 
              -$45.99 w/30% off =$32.19 4disc combo pk. (blu-ray+dvd+digital copy+extras)
              -$39.99 w/30% off =$27.99 Blu-ray+dvd


              -$29.99 w/30% off =$20.99 dvd
             *Best Buy:
              -$27.99 Blu-ray+dvd+digital copy
              -$22.99 Blu-ray+dvd
              -$17.99 dvd
             *Target
              -$27.99 Blu-ray+dvd+digitalcopy+1hr. of extra content
              -$22.99 Blu-ray+dvd
              -$16.99 dvd
             *Walmart: N/A

Parental Guidance: I'm very excited for this release for a couple reasons. #1Bette Midler, #2Billy Crystal, #3 Marisa Tomei, and #4 Bailee Madison who is the cutest little girl and in my book someone to look out for in the future definitely checkout the other films she's been in! Funny movie that the whole family can watch together!
              *Barnes an Noble:
               -$39.99 Blu-ray+dvd+digital copy
               -$29.99 w/10% off =$27.00 dvd
              *Best Buy:
               -$22.99 Blu-ray+dvd+digital copy
               -$17.99 dvd
              *Target:
               -$22.99 Blu-ray+dvd+digital copy
               -$16.99 dvd
             *Walmart:
               -$19.96 Blu-ray+dvd
               -$14.96 dvd

Killing Them Softly: I haven't had a chance to see this movie, but who doesn't like a film with Brad Pitt? I couldn't get much info on pricing for this flick but this is what I have.
             *Barnes and Noble:
              -$39.99 w/10% off =$36.00 Blu-ray+dvd+digital copy
              -$29.99 w/10% off= 27.00 dvd
             *Best Buy:
              -$22.99 Blu-ray+dvd+digital copy
              -$17.99 dvd
             *Target:
              -$16.99 dvd
             *Walmart: N/A

Borgias Season 2: I haven't watched this show, but friends of mine have and love it!
             *Barnes and Noble:
              -$65.99 w/10 % off =$59.40 Blu-ray
              -$49.99 w/10% off =$45.00 dvd
             *Best Buy:
              -$34.99 Blu-ray
              -$24.99 dvd
             *Target:
              -$32.99 Blu-ray
              -$24.99 dvd
             *EXCLUSIVE:GET THE FIRST 2 EP. OF DEXTER SEASON 7 W/PURCHASE!
             *Walmart: N/A

***JUST AN FYI WHEN YOU SPEND $50 OR MORE GET A $10 GIFTCARD/ $25   GIFTCARD W/PURCHASE OF $100 OR MORE ON YOUR FAVORITE BLU-RAY MOVIES AND TV SERIES @BESTBUY***
Also the Jurassic Park Series is now on Blu-ray and all @$16.99 @Best Buy too. It Comes with the Blu-ray+dvd+digital copy+movie bucks up to $8 toward your local theater to see the re-release in theaters which I don't know about you but I am very excited for! Jurassic Park 3D? I'm There!!!


                


Barnes & Noble is still having their Childrens 40% off sale. This sale is for only Childrens Blu-rays, dvds, and cds. It's going on through The 1st of April. So there is still time to get your kids favorite films and they make great gifts to add to their Easter baskets! Also if your a Barnes and Noble member you get an additional 10% off. That's an almost full 50% off! So take advantage now. It helps your bookstore too!











Now this week I decided to add Cd's into the mix. This was a little bit easier, didn't get all the prices.
But here is what I have for this week and sorry if I didn't post your favorite artist.

Lil Wayne: This is the big one that everyone is looking for. I do listen to his music occasionally but I hope he is in much better health.
             *Barnes and Noble:
              -$21.99 Deluxe Ed.
              -$15.99 cd
             *Best Buy:
              -$14.99 Deluxe Ed.
              -$8.99 cd
             *Target:
              -$13.99 Deluxe Ed.+bonus track
              -$9.99
             *Walmart: N/A

One Republic: They have another cd out which I'm pretty sure will have a lot of great hits we'll be jamming on the radio! Can't wait!
             *Barnes and Noble:
              -$15.99
             *Best Buy:
              -$9.99
             *Target:
              -$13.99 Deluxe Ed. w/5 bonus tracks
              -$9.99 cd
             *Walmart: N/A

Blake Shelton: For those who don't know him he is one of the judges on "The Voice". And when it comes to country music I say give it try. I know it's not everyones cup of tea but how do you know if you like it if you don't try it. There are country artists out there that will surprise you and make you a fan.
             *Barnes and Noble:
              -$13.99
             *Best Buy:
              -$9.99
             *Target:
              -$9.99
             *Walmat: N/A

All right my peeps! This is what I have for you this week. I don't know about you, but I am tired! J.K. Remember to go where it'll suite you better. Remember to ask yourself what content or format your looking for and rewards do I have. Best Buy, Target, and Walmart all price match.  Til next Time!
*REMEMBER THESE PRICES ARE GOOD FROM 3/24/13-3/30/13. HAPPY SHOPPING!*

             

         
              
             

 

Skin 411 !

Most of us weren't lucky enough to be born with a flawless skin. I personally don't have a flawless skin but I try my best to use products that will help control my skin imperfections. A book that I haven't been able to put down is the Lauren Conrad book called "Beauty". It gives you tips on skin care, hair styles and everything that a girl needs to look beautiful. True beauty always comes from the inside but it doesn't hurt to take care of the external beauty. Here are some skin care tips that I have learned from reading this book I hope you enjoy.

Tips:

• Always stick with your skin treatment, changes don't happen over night.
• Our skin works in cycles, skin cells regenerate every few weeks. (That's why sometimes our skin is much more flawless then other times because it has gone through another cycle)
• Their are some ingredients that you should avoid when it comes to face products

                - Fragrance
                - Phthalates (DBP;Dibutyl phthalate, DMP;Dimethyl phthalate, DEP;Diethyl phthalate).
                 (studies showed that this is one of the reason girls hit puberty so young.)
                  *Nail polish contains this chemical that's why women are advice not to use nail polish                     during their pregnancy.
                - Diethanolamine
                - Aluminum
                  *Aluminum can foster cancer cell growth.

Acne:

"Blackheads"

This occur when you have pores clogged up and the substance that is clogged up in you pores is oil. So when you go outside and the oil interacts with the air it causes it to turn black. You can squeeze them out but if it keep occurring constantly you could also go with a dermatologist.

 

"Whiteheads"

White heads are the most common ones in my life. I believe I'm not the only one but the problem with whiteheads are that they are very visible which causes us the temptation to cover them or touch them. It is better to let it run it's cycle and not touch them.

****If you want to take off the redness or inflammation just wrap an ice cube in a paper towel and put it against the whitehead it will take down the visibility of it but it also kills bacteria.****

"Body Acne"

Body Acne is also a frustration to anyone but you can use a plastic-bristle brush put some soap on it and scrub when your taking a shower. Bacne can be treated with benzoyl peroxide but the downside to this is that it can bleach any fabric it touches. So don't wear anything you love to sleep because you will wake up and be really upside when you see it bleached from the back part. Chest Acne is more delicate so its better to was gently with a shower puff. This breakouts are very hormonal so don't touch them or pay attention to them they will fade out without treatment.

What is reading your face?

   1. Forehead: Breakouts can occur because of sleep deprivation or stress.

 

     2. Above Brow: Above the brows it represents your immune system. Breakouts appear before , after, or during cold or flu.

 

     3. Between Brows: Are caused by what we call junk food & alcohol.

 

     4. Cheeks: This area is affected depending on your lung quality. Smoking or breathing polluted air can cause acne.

 

     5. Side of Chin: This are affected by your hormones. This can occur more around your period time and more on one side **DEPENDING ON WHICH OVARY IS OVULATIN THIS TIME OF THE MONTH**

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 







Here is the product I been using for the past month and I really like it! 

Thanks Lauren Conrad &Mint Julep Masque!!

(This product can be found at a Ulta cosmetic store near you)