Vitamins that are Good for Your Skin!

If you are like me, then you never in your life liked taking vitamins. I remember my mom forcing chalky flintstone vitamins down my throat, and the nasty after taste...yuck. So as an adult I never took vitamins, until I got pregnant with my twins and even then I had trouble taking them because they made me nauseous. But lately I have noticed how dull and lifeless my skin is, as well as how sluggish I feel, and when doing some research I learned a lot about how certain vitamins can improve the look and health of your skin. So about 2 months ago I started what I consider an intense vitamin routine, you can be the judge on how intense it is but considering I went from nothing to something I feel that its pretty intense so here is my daily vitamin regimen and how each one can effect you your health.

1. 1000mg Biotin: Helps maintain Skin and Hair Health
The most important B vitamin is biotin, a nutrient that forms the basis of skin, nail, and hair cells. Without adequate amounts, you may end up with dermatitis (an itchy, scaly skin reaction) or sometimes even hair loss. Even a mild deficiency causes symptoms. Topical preparations containing B vitamins are coming to the market. These creams can help give skin an almost instant healthy glow while hydrating cells and increasing overall tone. Niacin, a specific B vitamin, helps skin retain moisture, so creams containing this nutrient can help your complexion look plumper and younger in as little as six days. Niacin also has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe dry, irritated skin. In higher concentrations it can also work as a lightening agent to even out blotchy skin tone.

2. 1000mg Vitamin C + one 8oz. Glass of Simple Orange Orange Juice with Lots of Pulp: Along with Vitamin E, this helps to reduce the damage caused by free-radicals (harmful products of sun, pollutants, smoke, etc)
You can also try a topical vitamin C cream to encourage collagen production, just as your body does naturally when you are young. The trick here is to use a formulation containing the L-ascorbic acid form of vitamin C, the only one that can penetrate skin layers and do the job.

3. 400 IU Vitamin E: can help reduce photodamage, wrinkles, and improve skin texture. Long-term study shows that people who continue to take Vitamin E and C reduce DNA damage within the skin cells.
*NOTE: Too much vitamin E can be harmful

4. 2500mg B-12: Energy and Metabolism Boost

5. Centrum Multi-Vitamin

6. Vitamin A: necessary for the maintenance and repair of the skin, even having just a just not quite enough can cause dry, flaky, dull skin
Topical vitamin A is the form that makes a real difference in your skin. Medical studies show a reduction in lines and wrinkles, good acne control, and some psoriasis relief, all from using creams containing this nutrient. topically applied retinol plus vitamin C demonstrated a "reversal of skin alterations

7. Calcium: cause I dont tolerate milk very well

8. Soothing Vitamin E Oil Topical Agent For Skin 12,000 IU
*DO NOT INGEST

So Im going on month 3 now with the vitamin regimen and I already notice a huge difference in my skin's appearance. My skin is not as dull as it was, it now has a nice glow to it, my breakouts are occurring less often, and above all I feel like I am taking better care of myself, and everyone needs to take better care of themselves these days and we have so many options available to us, but if you start with something as easy as vitamins, you may be really surprised by the results!

~LOVE~ Dani

Computer Drama!!!!

WOW! Major computer drama over the last few days. I ordered a new computer online through Best Buy after my other computer went kaput and when I got it, it worked for maybe 2 hours then it stopped running the internet. Turns out it had a bad internet card (or whatever it is called) in it, so I went in to Best Buy and traded it in for an even better laptop! My husband is jealous that he didn't get the one I have instead of the one I originally got. HA! So now I can finally begin to update the blog!!!!!

I finally have my new computer!

YAY! After my old laptop succumbed to a painful death, my new Dell laptop finally came!!!!! Now I can do all types of stuff. I have been doing all sorts of researching over the past few days. I have made an awesome Earring Holder made out of a picture frame, aluminum screening,  and a staple gun, which I will show you how to do! I have started reading The Makeup Manual by Bobbi Brown and it's filling my mind full of useful information! I got some new makeup toys this past week. I am re-designing/organizing my vanity area and my bedroom so I will be posting updates on that project. I have found some very unique, easy at-home hair extensions using.. FEATHERS!!!! They are so amazing looking. Be looking for that post. And lots, lots more to come!!!! If you are reading the blog, tell others to come and check it out too! The more the merrier!

~LOVE~ Dani

Too Cute!

This is too cute!!!!!!!!!! www.hotguysandbabyanimals.com   It was started as a joke, but people caught on and now it's a big hit! I am ordering one of their calenders!!!!!!! I can't get enough them!!!! Don't tell my husband...just kidding he's sitting right here watching me type, looking at the hot guys with baby animals too!!!!!

Fabulous Accessories!!!

I love snow!!! I want to live up in the Colorado Mountains in the pretty trees and bright white snow in a beautiful log cabin. But snow in Indiana stinks. Well, actually sleet mixed with snow stinks. After being stuck in the house for nearly two and a half weeks from a sleet and snow storm we all finally got out of the house and went out to Bucca du Beppos with our best friends. Then we went over to the mall were we found an awesome "Jason Mraz" style hat for Lukas some amazing earrings and bracelets!!!! Here's what I found....

I love this Black Crystal Ring. The only problem was the band was too tight around my stubby finger.

                                                            This is an awesome red studded cuff!

I bought these CRAZY Spikey Silver Earrings!

                                   I REALLY WANTED THIS GOLD SPIKEY RING!!!!!








I got these Gold Sparkly Hoops on sale for $2.98!

 I also bought these Intricately Woven Rose Gold Hoops on sale as well for $2.98!










I BOUGHT THESE BRIGHT PURPLE AND BROWN FEATHER EARRINGS FOR $3.50! Feathers are very "in" right now! There is this amazing earring designer named Cardi on etsy.com called her store is SalvageLA and she makes gorgeous one-of-a-kind feather earrings, some reaching 12 inches or longer in length! Here's her blog with info how to buy her earrings! They are a little more pricey than $3.50 (the one I tried to get but didn't get to in time was $65)

www.cardi-love.blogspot.com

I learned about her through my makeup mentor (unbeknownst to her...) Kandee Johnson kandeethemakeupartist.blogspot.com

Gabby was asleep in the stroller cause she ate so much pasta!!!!! Now I am saving up for my big makeup shopping trip at the end of the month!!!!!! YAY!!! It's 3am and I am talking to my only 2 followers so I am going to go to bed now, and I will update more later on... nightie night...

My Beauty Must Haves!

My Favorite Beauty Must Haves!!!!!!
1. iPhone
2. Idea Journal
3. Glamour Magazine
4. Laptop
5. Garnier Oil-Free Facial Cleansing Cloths
6. Garnier Surf's Up Hair Putty
7. Aveeno Positively Radiant Face Lotion SPF 15
8. Olay Regenerist Eye Serum
9. Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion
10. Herbal Essence Set Me Up Hairspray
11. Essie Nail Polish
12. Bottle of H2O
13. Clairol Perfect 10 Haircolor
14. Vitamin E
15. Vitamin C
16. Biotin
17. Vitamin B-12
18. BUDHA
19. My AMAZING $350 ANNE KLEIN PURSE that I got for $50!
20. Diet Mt. Dew
21. POLAR POP W/ CUBED ICE
22. My L.A.M.B. by Gwen Steffani Wallet (orig. $98 got it for $30!)
23. Dark Brown Short Ugg Boots
24. My Glasses
25. My Wedding Rings
26. My Papa's Ring
27. My Budha Ring
28. My Grandpa's Bracelet
29. Earrings
30. Dark Brown Ugg Slippers
31. Strawberry Special K Bar
32. Large Navel Orange

AND.....

(I don't have a picture cause it's everywhere) MAKEUP!!!!!
I'll post a picture of all the fun makeup I get at the end of the month!!!!!

Everyone's Life isnt Perfect......

So Everyone's Life isn't so perfect. I never watch the "Real Housewive of ..." shows because they only make me angry that these women sit on tv and flaunt their wealth to American then complain about their troubles. Well, I realize that everyone's life isn't perfect. Their lives are full of backstabbing, money grubbling, cheating, lying, deceitfulness, who will never know true happiness unless it involves ruining or gossiping about one of their "friends." I'm venting right know because I'm kind of distraught. I thought I finally found something that I really wanted to do with my life. I really want to go to the Aveda Beauty School here in Indianapolis and then go on to further my education at a professional makeup artistry school. But right now I'm trying to support 2 children, a husband who's still in college, and save up so we can eventually get out of my parents house, and when I looked into the tuition for beauty school it's $18,000 up front and they don't offer payment plans and I already have too many loans taken out with Sallie Mae for them to help me. I'm 26! By the time we will have that kind of money saved up I will be in my mid-30's. It's really distressing that everything I want to do gets shot down because of money. I mean I really want to do this full on. And there is no financial way that I can. I know I would be amazing at it. I need something to make me feel good about myself, I'm losing myself and I don't like it. But I guess for now this blog and my one follower will just have to suffice.  :(

My Granny Taught Me...

Ok, I have shed a few tears, actually A LOT of tears, over ugly and hurtful breakups and downfalls in my high-school and college days. But what I didn't know is that not only were those tears that I would shed over and over for the loved lost from same loser guy wasn't healthy for my mind, but the tears and how I was wiping them off my face was doing damage to the skin around my eyes and now I am paying for it. 

When a lot of women cry they tend to wipe the tears away from the face by pulling at the skin and rubbing the eyes. I used to take the sleeve of the sweatshirt I would be wearing and press really hard and wipe away the tears. And now at the age of 26 I have crow's feet and puffy eyes like a 40 year old (no offense ladies).

I recently got married to the man of my dreams who shouldn't make me cry that hard ever again, so I want to try and regain some of the "youth" back to the skin around my eyes.
1. I am going to start applying an Anti-age/wrinkle cream at Night that wont clog my pores. I have tried this once in the past and the product I used cause me to breakout.

2. I am in the works of purchasing the new Dermanew Facial Rejuvenation System ($70 www.dermanew.com) Dermanew is this new facial tool that gently resurfaces the skin. It helps diminish wrinkles, fine lines, and pore size. It decreases the signs of sun-damage and aging. It polishes, refines and decongests the skins surface. It dimishes post breakout discoloration, prevents future breakouts. And it reveals HEALTHY SKIN.

3. I have begun to apply Eye Lifting Cream every morning. Right now I am trying Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum
... we will see how it works
4. Also when I cry from now on I am going to try to blot my eyes dry instead of wiping them with a heavy hand, and then apply a soothing eye cream to help prevent puffiness the next day.

So be kind to the skin around your eyes, cry a little less or just don't rub them as hard the next time you do! A little advice thanks to my Granny!!!!

LUST AND MUST

I never watch "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" but I was reading the January 2011 Glamour magazine and I saw a little article on the big clear makeup cubes they all have in their bathrooms and where do they. The are so cool!!!!
They are called "The Clear Cube" and they are either a 5 or 4 (with 1 double-sized drawer) drawer 12" W x 12" D x 15" H Cube that holds all your makeup needs! You can even order dividers to help further organize your makeup and nail polish. www.theclearcube.com
The down side to this amazing makeup cube...it costs $290!!! Not including the dividers!!!!! So I did some research and found a few that could do the same job for a lot less money!!!

I found this Acrylic Clear Cube on   http://theacryliccube.com/

.Four (4) Drawers .
.Top Lid compartment.
.X Insert on top lid
.First Drawer divided on 3
.No Dividers on remaining drawers
Dimensions: 12"w x 12"d x 15"h OD
Drawers and lid compartment dimensions: 11 1/4"w x 11 1/4"d x 2 3/4"h ID
1/4" clear acrylic/Lucite material sides.
3/16" clear acrylic/Lucite base and top.
1/2" SQ rod clear acrylic handle
                                         $159.99 + $19.99 shipping/handling


Also on http://theacryliccube.com/

.Thee (3) Drawers 
.No Dividers on any Drawer
Dimensions: 12"w x 12"d x 9"h OD
Drawers dimensions: 11 1/4"w x 11 1/4"d x 2 3/4"h ID
1/4" clear acrylic/Lucite material sides.
3/16" clear acrylic/Lucite base and top.
1/2" SQ rod clear acrylic handle



 On Amazon.com I found a
Chest Deluxe 7 Drawer (clear) 11 7/8" H x 12 5/8" W x 6 1/2 " D Makeup Cube
$99

also on Amazon.com I found
Acryllic Drawer Tower Organizer (clear)
17 5/8" H x 5 3/8" W x 4 7/8" D
10 Drawers
$27.99

 Well I don't know about you but yes I LUST for the clear cube, but you can't beat the other four's prices!!!!

February's "To Get" List

Sephora
-St. Tropez Tanning Essentials Self Tan Bronzing Mousse
-Ole Henriksen Ultimate Lift Eye Cream
-Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage (Concealer)
-Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation
-Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Chopper, Sin, and Gunmetal

MAC
-Eyeshadow in Shroom,Carbon
-Kohl Power Eye Pencil in Feline
-Liquid Eyeliner in Boot Black
-Blush Cream Colour Base in Shell and Tickle Me Pink
-Pro Palette Powder Blush in Blunt, Blush Bab, Dollymix, Fleur Power, Dame, Pink Swoon
-Blush Pro Palette
-Eyeshadow Pro Palette

Makeup Brushes either Crown Brushes or MAC Pro Brushes

...I'll have to win the lottery to afford all this! We will see what I can do!

DON'T BAKE, FAKE!

How to get an AMAZING GLOW with out tanning bed!
Believe me, I love looking gorgeously sun-kissed too. Nothing feels better than to look in the mirror and have instant glow to your skin. But nothing can be worse for your skin than getting that glow by a tanning bed. I used to be a "tan-aholic," I had to have that bronze skin look all the time, even in the winter, and I have naturally fair skin. But what I didn't realize is that every time I stepped into that tanning bed I was damaging my skin and the future of my skin. I know you all have heard how tanning can give you cancer, so I wont go into that but I will tell  you how to get a great sun-kissed glow without the tanning bed.

There are many "at home" tanning products out there. My favorite is St. Tropez Essentials Self Tan Bronzing Mousse ($30 @ Sephora) for my face and St. Tropez Tanning Essentials Everyday Gradual Tan for Body ($30 @ Sephora). There are several steps to get a great even tan, using whatever product you choose (see bottom list for other good brands).
1. EXFOLIATE! It's a must! If you don't get all of the dead skin cells off of your skin, the color will cling to it making you look patchy or streaky. Use an exfoliating glove for your body. It looks like a winter glove just dab some body wash on it and scrub your body, especially your knees and elbows. You can get an exfoliating glove at Target in the makeup section.
2. Always apply tanner to clean, dry skin. Make sure there is no oil-containing lotion on your skin cause that will cause the color to not "sink in"
3. Use gloves or a tanning applicator (tanning mitt from St. Tropez)  to keep you from getting discolored hands, and it helps give a more even tan.
4. Go lightly over your elbows, knees, around the ankles, wrists, but make sure you do apply a tiny bit to the top of your hands and blend it really well into your arm in-order to look like your tan is real, not like it just suddenly stops at your wrist. Avoid going in between the fingers!
5. Even if you used gloves/applicator WASH YOUR HANDS IMMEDIATELY! Use a good soap and scrub between your fingers but be careful to not splash the water up your arms cause it will create a runny mark down your arm.
6. LET THE TANNER DRY LONGER THAN IT SAYS TO!! I have found with all the tanning products I have tried that they take longer than they say to dry. You do not want to put clothes on over wet self-tanners. If will stain your clothes and cause streaking in your tan.
7. When you feel 110% completely dry, apply a good moisturizer to hold the tan in. If you moisturize using a good moisturizer your tan will last longer cause your skin cells wont flake off as fast, plus it makes your tan look that much more sun-kissed when its moisturized.

*If you are using a daily bronzer, you will want to do this every day to keep it going on even everyday.
*If you are using a self-tanner, do the exfoliating process right before you apply the self-tanner but continue to deeply moisturize the tan until it's time to apply more self-tanner. If your tan starts to become flaky, do the exfoliating process for several days before applying more self tanner!!!

Other great self tanning products: Banana Boat Summer Color Sunless Lotion, L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion, Almay Sunless Tanning Gel for Body, L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze One Day, and my favorite St. Tropez

First Blog!

Welcome to my Blog! I'm Dani, a stay-at-home mid-20's mommy of 2 yr old twins. One of my favorite things to do is research new beauty products, and makeup ideas and tips. I've loved makeup since I was a little 3 year old girl getting all dolled for my dance recitals, and it has been a hobby of mine ever since. I love to play around with different looks and styles. I am also a big advocate of healthy skin, so I love to look into the new and affordable skincare treatments/products. I love finding unique jewelry at amazing prices! So in this blog I will bring to you makeup reviews and how-to's, skincare product reviews, accessory finds, and so much more!