Sephora Lip Luster Review

we all know how convenient online shopping is. you can do it from anywhere, anytime of day. I had recently run out of my makeup setting spray and had to purchase a new one. Sephora is my go to place for makeup. of course the item i wanted was sold out, so i had to settle for another bottle. And, I also didn't meet the $50 for free shipping. So i headed over the sale section, and browsed. there is something about purchasing high end makeup at a lower price that makes me happy.

As soon as I saw lip products on sale i couldnt resist. Sephora's Lip Luster Matte was on sale, and I was curious. i am not big on gloss since I prefer an all matte face, i feel like any dewiness makes me look oily! i decided to give this lip product a try after reading the reviews, they described it as a lipstick with a light sheen.

The packaging itself is sleek and compact, like most Sephora products. The lip product is small, but i never run out of lip products, so that is not an issue.

the shade I purchased is Fig Luster. i thought it would be a neutral shade on me, but it was a bit dark.

The formula is creamy and glides on beautifully. the applicator is small but easy to use. For me, this lipstick is long lasting, but it does not dry out my lips. it is not like a liquid lipstick where it dries and stays in place, so it is easy to move around which can be a pro and a con. I have put this lipstick on a few times and I have never had any issues with it. it is a beautiful fall/winter color, and my boyfriend always compliments me whenever i wear it.

This lip product is one i would definetly purchase again. it stayed on all day, and gives me a perfect balance of a matte lip and a glossy lip.

I Would rate Sephora Lip Luster lipstick a 9/10. As i mentioned before the lipstick does not stay in place, which i prefer if i am getting a liquid lipstick lipstick. while they call it a lip color, all their similar products that they recommend are liquid lipsticks. This color lasted me all day, and my boyfriend gave me a compliment on my lip color, which he never does. The price point is perfect, it only cost me $7 on sale and regular price is $20.

No More Naps!

I feel like it has been so long since i did a mommy post. I have been reviewing so many beauty products, that i started to miss writing about being a Mommy.

I did a post awhile ago about some of the troubles i was experiencing with kayden. One of the big issues was his sleeping. He would always take his nap, but he would never sleep at night. It was frustrating and exhausting. I never got any time to myself, whenever he was awake so was i, and i was getting more and more exhausted.

Curtis and i had discussed taking away his naps, but i felt it was to soon. I also struggled with not getting adult time. If i have learned anything from being a mom, it is how important my ME time is.

We decided to attempt taking naps away during one weekend. I will admit, having Curtis there helped. He could man the meltdowns while i cooked, which proved to be difficult during weekdays. That weekend, Kayden went down with no issues. He didn't come out of his room 50 times, and bedtime wasn't extended another two hours. Kayden did eventually wake up (and still does), but it is after a few hours, or if he hears a loud noise.

The thing about our apartment, is the kitchen and living room lights shine down the hallway, which means kayden can see light when he lays down. We usually wait till he is asleep before we turn on the lights. sometimes this can be an issue, because our dinner use to get delayed. now he knocks out immediately which allows us to do anything we need to do.

That was one of the great things about eliminating naptimes, his body was ready to go to bed. By the time I walked out of his room, he was knocked out.

When kayden would wake up, it was easier to put him back down. he would be half awake and barely have his eyes open , so we would pick him up and lay him back down. he usually does fall back asleep.

Daytime is the hardest part. Kayden was getting tired around the five and a half hour mark, which was when he would usually go down for a nap. I was running out of ideas with how to keep him occupied. Kayden was having meltdowns from 2:30pm till about 6pm (when i would give him a bath). I was exhausted. Kayden usually goes down at 7:15pm but i couldn't wait.

After a month, i started to notice Kayden getting tired later and later. It eventually went to 3:30pm. Soon the blood curling cries and never ending temper tantrums ended.

Fast forward to today. Kayden doesnt get tired till about 3:30-4pmish. This is such a big improvement. This is normally the time i would start dinner, but now i have to multitask to make sure kayden doesnt fall asleep. On the days he has dozed off for about 30min to an hour, it is pure hell at nightime. It goes back to taking hours for him to go to bed. On the days he does stay awake (which is 99.

9% of the time), he goes down in a snap. I even talked to kayden about his naps, and he says he likes that i took them away and he just sleeps at night.

i do find that i am able to get more done in a shorter amount of time as well. for instance when running errands i do not need to come home by a certain time to ensure that he goes down for a nap, but i can get everything done then he can come home and relax.

i will admit i am much more exhausted then i was before. the one thing about kayden, is that he is always on the go. he is playing with his toys, dancing around, wanting to craft etc. it is rare that he sits down in one spot and i can have a breather.

Now that Kayden gets 10- 12 hours of sleep at night, i find he is in a better mood and his body is getting the rest it needs. i really started to realize how he would just eat because he was tired, and his mood swings were caused by him being tired.  For the most part my days fly by, and the best part, sometimes Kayden will tell me he is tired and wants to go to bed. His body wants rest, and he doesn't feel the need to hide it anymore or feel like he is missing out on something. 

Olay 4 in 1 Water Activated makeup wipes Review

Taking off my makeup is one of the best feelings in the world. Don't get me wrong, i love makeup, but after having kayden i don't wear it as often, but one thing i have always love doing is removing my makeup.

I have always had a love hate relationship with makeup wipes. The first one's that i tried was the Neutrogena all in one wipes. I tried two different types and i wasn't in love. It irritated my skin and i always felt like i needed to moisturize my skin after. I was really into working out at the time, so all i wanted to do was wipe my face and be out the door.

I got a sample from Wal-Mart for Olay's daily facials, 4-in -1 water activated wipes. I will admit, i was skeptical.

I had gone to a birthday party that night, which means i had quite a bit of makeup on. I figured if i was going to test it out, this would be the time to do so.

Claims

Removes dirt, oil and makeup. Removes mascara 2x then basic cleansing

Gently exfoliotes and smooth skin texture in less then one week.

Condition skin with essential olay conditioners.

I took the washcloth out and dampened it under the tap. I was skeptical at first. I didnt believe this one washcloth would be able to do anything significant. But i was wrong. It was a miracle. I will start off by saying that it took off ALL my makeup. Granted i could have used two to be extra cautious, but one did the trick. One of my favorite things about these wipes is that it is safe to use around the eyes. When i go full glam, i wear a lot of eye makeup, multiple eyeshadows, eyeliner and mascara( top and bottom). For these wipes to remove all of it, says a lot.  Especially when you do a full face, contour, blush etc. I can honestly say that this one cloth took everything off. Other cloths would take off my makeup and strip off everything from my face. My face would feel dry, and dull. These olay wipes did the exact opposite, it was gentle and incredibly moisturizing. In winter my face goes completely dry, and im always struggling to keep it moisturized.

Whenever i come back from an event, i always hop into the shower, and wash my face two times. Yes, i know, it sounds like a lot, but i never feel like my face is completely clean. Using the olay wipes, it was the first time in awhile that i didn't feel the need to do that.

I don't know if i would say that it exfoliated my skin, if it did, i didnt notice. If you are an olay fan, you will be thoroughly satisfied with this product. I would give this product a 9/10. For me to feel satisfied after using a makeup wipe, says a lot.

The 4 in 1 wipes retail for $6.97 for a pack of 33 at walmart.

Xo Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix Review

I love baking. Probably because i love anything sweet. I can usually bake anything, but for some reason i havent attempted to tackle cookies, i always buy premade cookie dough.

On one of my many grocery pickups, walmart gave me a sample of xo chocolate chip cookie mix. I had never heard of this brand before, but to be fair i am not up to date with gluten free lines. Yes thats right, gluten free. I personally dont have a gluten intolerance, but i can sympathise with those who do. My bestfriend in highschool had to eat gluten free, i even heard about the aftermath when she indulged.

I have tried a few gluten free products, and i was amazed by the taste. You couldn't even tell the difference. I was anxious to see how this baking mix tasted. My boyfriend is the perfect taste tester, because he is picky with his food. It is one thing for me to like it, but if he enjoyed it, i knew it was a hit.

The mix itself was easy. I added eggs, vanilla and butter. The mix came in a clear bag, all i had to do was combine all the ingredients. I did notice that the mix was a lot wetter then traditional cookie dough. It threw me off, but i went with it.

I baked 2 batches of cookies, and made slight differences. The first batch the balls i formed wernt perfect, and i cooked then for the minimum amount of time. The second batch i did perfect balls, and baked them for a little longer.

The results

My boyfriend and i were split on our thoughts. Curtis loved the cookies, he couldn't even tell that they were gluten free, and he preferred the second batch. I did not care for the taste at all, but i think it is because i found it had to much vanilla in it. I also preferred the first batch.

Here is the best part, we gave the cookies to 2 people who didnt know they were gluten free, and they loved them. They said it tasted delicious, and didnt know it was gluten free.

This product is expensive, retailing for $8.97 at my local Walmart. If gluten free products are a must in your lifestyle, then I would highly reccomend this. It tastes exactly like chocolate chip cookies,and no one will be able to tell the difference.

Great Value glass and Surface Cleaner Review

Cleaning is a drag. Im not going to sugar coat it. Especially after having Kayden, i cant seem to ever stop cleaning. Counters need to be wiped down, toys need to be picked up, dishes need to be washed etc. It is never ending!

I go through cleaning supplies quickly, i dont know what it is, but if it has a nozzle, i am heavy handed. I needed a new glass cleaner a few months ago, and i decided to go with a store brand. As you all know, walmart is one if my go to stores, so i decided to try their glass and surface cleaner.

The bottle states that it is biodegradable, fragrance free, and its 99% naturally derived.

I was shocked that i liked that this product was fragrance free. I usually like a mild scent when i clean, i always associate a clean house with it smelling good. I primarily used the cleaner in two places,the bathroom and kitchen.

It does clean up messes and spills, the only downside, it doesn't do the greatest job of cleaning things stuck on the counter. Food splatters, when im mixing and cooking, and i dont wipe down my counters until after im done cooking. I did find i had to really scrub to get it off the counter and stove. I usually use pine sol, and it came off much easier with it.

I also have mixed feelings about it as a window cleaner. Initially when i used it i loved it. There was no streaking and my Windows looked clean. But when the sun was shinning through our window, you could see streaks.

If you remember an earlier post, i wrote about my cleaning schedule. I deep clean every room once a week, but do the kitchen daily. I feel this cleaner would be good for regular day to day cleaning, where you just need to wipe things down. But i think for my regular cleaning i will stick to pine sol.

Canadiana Coat Review. Hit or Miss?

It is that time of year again. Christmas lights are going up, comfort food is cooking in the kitchen, and winter coats are being worn.

As difficult as it is bundling up a toddler, everything is just better during this time of year. For the past year i have been on the hunt for the perfect winter coat. I had my last coat for about 5 years and after I had Kayden it became to small for me. Then last year the zippers on the pockets stopped working. I couldn't stall any longer, it was time for a new coat.

For the past year i have had my eye on a Canadiana coat, that walmart makes. Yes thats right, by Walmart. I dont care what anyone says, walmart is amazing, and their clothing quality has gotten a lot better. It was $99.99 and last year i waited for it to go on sale, but it never did. I spent a year researching it, and I was convinced it was the one for me.

On my birthday my parents gave me some money, and I knew I had to buy my coat then. It usually gets cold in October, but this year the weather has been all over the place. I wanted to make sure i had my coat in time for the cold weather. I thought I was early, but I was wrong. I was lucky to find my size( medium), i took the last one. And the coat was so great, Curtis bought one as well.

My Review

I had a chance to wear the coat for about a month now, daily. I am in love. I bought a medium, which allows me to wear bulky sweaters underneath, which is perfect for when the snow falls. I got a parka coat, so I love the way it covers my bum, and part of my legs, keeping me extra warm. And when i say it keeps me warm, thats an understatement. I am extra warm, sometimes when i am wearing it inside i start sweating! I have never felt cold wearing the coat, and we have already had one cold alert.

I have had expensive, designer coats before, and this coat keeps me as warm, if not better. And my boyfriend said, it looked a lot better. It has way to many pockets, so storage is not an issue. My favorite part of the coat, has to be the hood. I always had hoods falling off my head, but this one is so snug. The only time i had an issue was when it was windy, which is expected. It also has reflective gear on the arms, so vehicles can see you at night. I live in the city, so this was an amazing selling point for me. There are always cars, regardless of what time i go outside, for them to be able to see me a little bit better is better for everyone.

Initially I thought $99.99 was to expensive, but I think it is a great deal. It is as comfy as a designer coat, and it keeps me warmer. Here in Canada, you cant escape the cold. With curtis working long hours, it is usually me and Kayden at home. As if last year Kayden loves the snow, and he will spend as much time outside as he can get. I noticed last year that a warm coat is a must. I didnt like feeling cold, or rushing kayden during our walk. This coat allows me to do it all. Buddy also loves the cold weather, and it doesn't bother me one bit anymore.

The coat runs for about $50 less then other stores, and is just as stylish.

I would reccomend this coat to everyone, and it deserves a 10/10. Curtis loves designer clothing. He saw a Tommy Hilfiger coat, and he said it does not compare. If you are looking for something affordable, for everyday use, and a coat that will keep you warm, then you should check it out.

Sunshine Blogger Award

Im back with another blogger award nomination. A sunshine blogger award from the amazing Becca. I was nominated back on October, but as usual, life got in the way. Better late then never, right?

Her website is

https://myselfandjake.wordpress.com

And her twitter is @RebeccaWbu_94

1. Name 3 life goals you want to achieve

The first one would be to be successful. I dont mean to make a million dollars. I want to make some sort of impact in the world. That's part of why i started to blog, i want to touch and reach others and hopefully be able to help them.

The second is, i want to live life. A lot of people don't know that pay child support (30% of our income). That is a huge chunk. We have cut back on groceries, celebrations and moving ahead in life. We have sacraficed a lot for an amount that is not based on our current income, but rather double. I cant wait to be able to give our child everything he deserves and be able to celebrate life and actually save.

My last goal is to have a happy and healthy family.

2. One thing or person that makes you laugh

This is easy. Curtis. He is my partner in life and one of the best things about us, is how much he makes me laugh. During our hardest times, curtis always put a smile on my face.

3. If you could go back in time to when and why?

I always say, life was so easy when i was a kid. So i would say when i was about 5 years old. Life was the best. My bestfriend lived on ny street and we would spend hours together. We played outside all day and did everything together, trick or treating, played sports etc. I never worried about anything, and best of all i had no responsibilities.

4. Name one celeb you fancy?

Safarree from love and hip hop.

5. 3 words to describe yourself

Funny. Caring. Smart

6. What's your worst habit?

Over thinking things. Thats all i do. I over think the budget, household, events etc. Regardless of how much i plan for things, i still continue to stress and overthink every aspect. I am constantly making lists and the worst part, i think of every worst possible outcome, which ends up stressing me more.

7. Whats the most emberassing thing that has ever happened to you?

I am going to tell you the first thing that came in my head. When i was working, prior to kayden being born, i use to wake up at 4:30am. I had to leave the house around 6am to catch the bus (we didn't have a car at the time). Since curtis started work around 7ish, he didnt wake up till much later. I was use to getting up/going to bed by myself.  One morning i decided to turn on the bedroom light and ask curtis if my white skirt was see through. Through his grumbles, he said no. I proceded to leave the house, talk to people in the building, walk down the street, get on a bus, walk to work, all to find out that my skirt is see through. Everyone could see my bright florescent pink thong. I was mortified. Looking back i shouldve just taken off my panties, instead i spent the whole day trying to keep my shirt over my butt.

8. If you had a superpower what would it be?

Reading peoples minds.

9. What is your favorite tv show?

This is us. I have never cried watching a show, but this show brings out all my emotions. It pulls on every heartstring, and all the stories are relatable. Regardless of who you are, there is one character on this is us that you can identify with.

10. Morning person or evening person?

Morning. Dont ask why, but i am. I can always get up in the morning, i have never had an issue with it. But when it comes to the evening, im a log. Im always tired, i dont want to do anything but be in bed.

11. What actress/actor would you choose to play you in a film and why?

Hands down Demi Lovato. It has nothing to do with the idea that we look the same. Its her personality. Shes sassy, hardworking and extremely funny. She has gone through a lot in her life (as we all know), and after watching her documentary i fell in love with her more. I really got a chance to learn about her, and see her in her natural element.