this takes me back to when i was a kid...

If you are in the Gilbert area and haven't taken the opportunity to try out the Liberty Market in Historic, Downtown Gilbert then you are missing out! As kids my uncle lived just across the street so my cousins and I would walk to the original Liberty Market for Mexican candy, a favorite of mine! Now the Liberty Market has been turned into a restaurant and retail market that serves local brewed beer, wine and olive oil. Nothing is better than supporting your community by shopping or dining locally!

The Liberty Market restaurant has kept it's original neon light that I remember as a kid.

Caffé Latte espresso bowl - Delicious and only $4.25!

I had the Griddled Bread Pudding, which is their take on French Toast!

This picture doesn't do justice! One cinnamon roll takes up an entire small plate and only $5 each. I saw several kids (well, only the top of their head actually) enjoying one!

Check out the history on this great (in my opinion) place!

http://libertymarket.com/history.html

feel good friday...

To start my day off right I took a multi-vitamin then made myself a whole wheat bagel with fresh spinach, turkey, egg whites and low-fat mozzarella cheese for breakfast. A good way to jump start the day! A light walk afterwards before jumping in the shower. Pick yourself out a nice outfit, even if you don't have anywhere nice to go! The compliments you will receive are not only nice to hear but will give you a boost of confidence!

Put on some makeup! Even if it's a few products. I always wear either foundation or a tinted moisturizer to even out my complexion. A dab of creme blush blended on the apples of the cheeks for a hint of color. A nude colored eye shadow with a hint of shimmer for an "awake" look.

Bobbi Brown's Nude Eyeshadow palette is great for a natural look. However, any brand of eye shadow will work! To open up the eye, be sure to use a lighter color in the inner corner of the eyes and darker on the out corner. Blend, Blend, Blend!

Finish off the look with a nice lip gloss for a subtle pop of color. I love pink but if pink isn't for you, try a peach or apricot color. It goes well with just about any skin tone!

You can never be over dressed! At least I don't think so! A pop of color and a smile and you are ready for a great day!

delightful finds on a dime...

Unique finds at a fraction of the price are easy to come by with store's like ROSS, TARGET, MARSHALL'S and HOME GOOD'S to name a few. These fancy finds, so delightful you would never know just how much they cost if I hadn't told you so! With deals this good, make sure to snag 'em up once you see 'em! Otherwise, you snooze- you lose!

These super cute platters will be great for displaying cupcakes and cookies this Valentine's Day. Found them at Ross for only $2.49 each!

This sweet heart-shaped wreath can be found in the dollar section of Target. This too only $2.50! I can't wait to hang it up for Valentine's Day!

My daughter came across these tiny egg crates that hold 6 eggs at once. For only $2.49 at Ross I couldn't help but get two of them! She too has an eye for deals!

They display my eggs ever so cute! Making it easy for baking...from fridge to the counter-top and back.



These super cute dog collars can be found at Target, anywhere from $8-$15. Which is still a great deal but when you can find them for even cheaper, it's even better!

So you can see how excited I was to come across them while at The Dollar Tree for only $1! How could I not snag two!


Keep your eye out for great deals like these and you are sure to have one chic home, great conversation pieces and more money in your wallet!   



bold and beautiful...

This weekend I did makeup for a singer in a local band. She wanted something fun and eye-catching and was up for anything, making it even more fun!

Before: Beautiful

After: Bold

The hot pink eye color and fun stars pulled the entire costume together for a fun, notice-me look. Great for the stage!  

closet junkie...

Now that it's 2012, it's out with the old, in with the new! Are you guilty of keeping everything in hopes of one day putting it to use? Every January I go through all the closets in my home and toss out (donate) any items that no longer have a purpose, meaning or fit into my happy, healthy and stress-free life style.  From my kids clothes to my clothes to the entry way closet, to the game closet, to the bathroom closet...you get the idea! 

START BY ORGANIZING YOUR CLOSET

 A clean closet will make getting ready each day easier. I like to start off by taking everything out, carefully considering each item then putting everything back into it's proper space. Labeling items will give a place for each items, making it easier to find. Therefore, time saving on those rushed mornings!

I keep my floral blouses together, making them easier find!

And any abstract patterns get their own section as well.

I like to keep any pattern items at the front. Then hang items from light to dark. You can also organize your clothes by tank tops, short sleeved, long sleeve, etc. I find that if I sort my clothes by color, it makes it easier to find just what I am looking for and saves time!

 

Stacking bulky sweaters & jeans from a hanging organizer will save room in your closet, leaving more hanging room for other items!  

Little baskets are great for keeping items such as clutches.

Do your belts tend to end up tangled, on the floor?

 

Divided baskets such as this one found at IKEA are great for socks, belts or under-garments.  Rolling your belts and placing them in this basket will keep them organized and easily accessible.

 Transparent clothes covers will keep those dresses/suites crisp and clean for when you are ready to wear them! I like the transparent ones because you are able to see just what you have stored in them. A set of 3 (transparent white) only $2.99 at IKEA!

Does your jewelry look like this?

                 

These containers are only $2.99 at IKEA and are perfect for keeping my jewelry neat. Of course I keep the fancier jewelry in a jewelry box but for every day accessories, these are perfect! They can be placed on a shelve or inside a drawer and are stackable! Always keep you jewelry in a dry place, never inside the bathroom. The moisture can cause discoloration.  

An old belt rack is great for hanging your necklaces, it keeps them tangle free and easier to find! You can also use a utility rack, coat hanger, towel holder or anything else you can think of that will display them!

Placing a hamper in your closet will keep it tidy. You may also get one sorted by lights/darks. I like to keep a separate one for delicate/dry-cleaned items.

Now you are ready to tackle the next closet!

inner makeup...

When we feel great, we look great! This I refer to as inner makeup. Starting your new year off with a massage is great for the mind, body and soul!

I had the opportunity to do makeup for Annette Fontes-Evans LMT, CST for advertisement for her business. Always a great time applying makeup for those who do so much for others!

 

Please visit her website at http://heavenlyblisstherapies.com/ and book your appointment for a healthier you this 2012!

when i think of january, i think of these...

January for me is a new beginning in alot of areas. I like to bring in things that make me feel cozy, warm and secure. Whether it be new pajamas as I cuddle up with my kids, to a new coffee cup as I sip on hot cocoa during our movie nights or to a new lipstick. I use January as a time to organize my thoughts and goals for the new year. Here are a few favorites of mine for the new year.

I love to have a different scented candle burning for each season. A scent that reminds me of a cozy, snuggle up with my kids kind of night is this Hot Chocolate scent from Slatkin & Co. found at Bath & Body Works.

A cozy throw is great for movie night and cuddling!

A warm, soft robe to lounge around the house in is a must on those chilly winter mornings or nights!  Pottery Barn offers monogram for a personal touch!

A new tea cup and infuser makes a quiet evening even better! Cost Plus World Market has a cute assortment and only $12.99!

Dreamer Flannel Pajama from Victoria Secret, spend the night in something soft & cozy. Do your children get new pj's every Christmas? Why not treat yourself to some as well!

A great scent for Winter is Fig, this set from Williams Sonoma is great for the kitchen. The Tuscany-inspired scent blends citrus, lavender and pepper with earthy undertones of musk, sandalwood and cardamom.

 Toss out any old makeup and make room for the makeup you received as gifts this Christmas. If you didn't receive any for gifts, go out and treat yourself! Most stores are having their Semi-Annual Sales,  now's the time to stock up for the new year! I really love Bare Minerals, the colors are high in pigment, the coverage is great for all skin types, the products are great for any age as well as super affordable! Your hubby may complain about you spending money after the Holiday's but the deals you will get are steals and trust me, he will love your new look! I find that when I apply makeup, I feel motivated for the day so if anything do it for yourself! ;)

A new journal is nice for recording the high-lights of your day. My daughter would fill up mine in one day with the great things she says.

already beautiful, just enhanced...

This beautiful lady was my first brave client after over 7 years of doing makeup, she was the very 1st to allow me to take a before and after picture and show it off. Already beautiful, just enhanced!

Always prepare the skin with a foundation primer, this will prepare the skin for the foundation.  I tend to not use a primer on a daily basis, just to let my skin breathe a little. But definitely a primer for those moments where you will be photographed! Whether you use mineral makeup, liquid, powder, etc. This will give a fresh canvas to "paint" on. Let the primer sit just a moment before applying your foundation and always set your foundation with a setting powder. I prefer a translucent, it matches all skin tones.

Once the foundation is applied, I loosely apply a translucent powder to catch the fall of any eye shadow. This makes it easy to sweep off the excess, as it acts as a catch all!

I used a purple, grey eye color for a smokey eye. To keep the eye shadow long lasting, I prepared the lids with an eye shadow primer before applying the color. Applying a white shimmer or champagne colored eye shadow in the corner of the inner eye as well as the brow bone to highlight the eye. I chose a white glitter as it pairs well with the charcoal, purple colors I used. The glitter was an added touch for New Year's Eve!

Use light feather like strokes when filling in eyebrows. Never skip this step...it's pulls the look together. Next, Line the bottom lash line and water line (inner eye lid) with black or charcoal eye liner. I prefer an eye kohl when doing a smoky eye. Take a Q-tip or use your ring finger to smudge the color starting at the inner eye outwards. Curl the lashes before applying 2 coats of lengthening mascara. I used false eye lashes above, fun and flirty! I used a pink blush on the apples of the cheeks(smile real big) and brushed out towards the hairline for a more define cheek bone, suck in the cheeks (fish face) and apply a darker color just under the cheekbones.  I applied a high-lighter on the cheekbone for an extra pretty look as I like to call it. Last, I completed the look with a glossy light pink lip color. My favorite by MAC, Dazzleglass Creme "soft dazzle". It has lots of sparkle, great for an evening out!

PRODUCTS TO COMPLETE THAT PERFECT LOOK

              MAC, Dazzleglass Creme "soft dazzle"             BENEFIT High Beam Highlighter

        

 MAKE-UP FOREVER Primer

 

BENEFIT Eye Shadow/Concealer Primer