Sigma Beauty Cyber Monday 20% off SALE!! Plus My Suggestions!

* Contains Affiliate Links 

Sigma Beauty will be offering 20% off of some amazing products for Cyber Monday (click for the complete list).  The sale will start December 2nd at 12 AM CST and will end at 11:59 PM CST on December 2nd. Be sure to use code CM2013 at checkout.  

Here are some of my recommendations for the sale if you are in the market for awesome brushes at a great discount.  

Brush Sets:

Basic Eye Kit

I recently purchased the Basic Eye Kit and I haven't put it down since.  I am officially a Simga LOVER!

Essential Kit - Mrs. Bunny  Brush Set

Essential Kit -  Make Me Crazy Brush Set

Travel Kit - Make Me Cool

Individual Brushes:

E36 Blending Brush

E11 Liner Brush

P86 Precision Tapered

P82 Precision Round

Makeup:

Eye Shadow Base Kit - Bare

These are just a few of my suggestions for Sigma's Cyber Monday sale.  After using their brushes for over a month, I am a true believer in the brand and wanted to share the awesome sale and coupon code with all of you.

Happy Shopping!!

Kristen

xx

** Photo Credit: Sigma Beauty Website**

Jouer Powder Blush in Rose and Bloom

These have been two of my favorite blushes for the last few months and I wanted to share them with you.  I have grabbed for Bloom more than any other blush recently because it just brings life to my face.  I grab for Rose almost as often when I'm going for soft cheeks.  Rose is perfect as we are going into fall and looking for a softer cheek color to pair with our bold eyes or lips.  

Jouer Powder Blushes in Rose and Bloom

Rose is a beautiful natural pink that gives your cheeks the perfect flush.  Bloom is a soft peach, one of my favorite blushes ever, that just wakes up your face.  I think both of these blushes would look great on a variety of skin tones.  They both have a matte finish so these are also great for those of us with skin imperfections.  

The entire Jouer line consists of extremely high quality products and these blushes are no exception.  They blend out like a dream and the finish is beautiful.  They also layer nicely with a highlight. The wear time is average for a regular powder blush, equal to a MAC blush.    

Overall, I love these blushes.  I can not wait to pick up more colors.  I have always been more of a lip product junkie, but these two little gems have ignited a bit of a blush obsession in me. 

Personal Note:

My favorite pairing is Bloom Blush with Jouer's Sun Tan Bronzer.  

Have you tried any Jouer Blushes?  

Thanks for reading!

Kristen

xx

Amoralia Tutti Frutti Nursing Bra and Knicker Review

Amoralia is a company that was started in London back in 2005.  They aim to give pregnant women stylish and comfortable maternity lounge wear and underwear while not sacrificing quality.  

First of all, I absolutely LOVE how Amoralia packages and ships their products.  You really feel like you are getting a personal gift from someone who cares.  

*Photo from Amoralia

Tutti Frutti Bra and Knicker Set

I adore this set.  The print is fun and the lace is girly and together that is the perfect combination.  I wore this set during my pregnancy.  While I had a little room in the bra to grow, I found this to be super comfortable and enjoyable to wear.   The design and fabric is simply fun and a nice change from the  everyday white, black, and nude that most other maternity and nursing bras come in.  This bra can also be used during nursing, which is what I am currently using it for.  I like that there is no underwire and the band is soft and doesn't dig into my back.  The knicker is fun and flirty and is perfect for when you want to feel extra sexy.  However, it's more a "cheeky" fit so it isn't suitable for wear in your immediate postpartum stage.  

What You Need To Know:

The bra has a six row hook and eye closure which ensures you will be able to wear it as you expand during pregnancy and as your body returns to it's normals size postpartum.  The plastic clasps for nursing are easily undone with one hand.  The bra is has a soft cotton lining and is fully machine washable.  

You can find this set on the  Amoralia website, just be sure to click the $ icon at the top right corner to make sure you are seeing US pricing.  

Final Thoughts:

This has been a joy to wear.  Even though it is under my clothes, it has helped me feel sexy and pretty during my pregnancy and postpartum days.  These last few weeks, when taking a shower sometimes seems impossible, wearing this Tutti Frutti set has made me feel like myself.  

I would highly recommend this set to anyone looking for maternity lingerie that is nontraditional, fun, and flirty.

Thank you all for reading!

Kristen

xx

Swaddle Designs Swaddle Duo Review and Giveaway

A Little About Swaddle Designs:

SwaddleDesigns was founded by Lynette Damir, RN, Designer and Mom of two in

2002. SwaddleDesigns is known for their premium quality fabric, fabulous

colors and prints, and their innovative 123 Swaddle® pictorial instructional

label sewn to the edge of their Swaddling blankets that makes learning how

to swaddle so easy. 

Sterling Baby Owls and Sparklers

The Swaddle Designs Swaddle Duo comes with one Marquisette Swaddle Blanket and one Ultimate Receiving blanket that is a light weight cotton flannel.  This is the perfect pair.  I have been using both since my little guy was born.  I have used both to swaddle him and while the Marquisette is made for swaddling, I have found that the receiving blanket is a great swaddling blanket as well.  

After having him, I continued to run my air conditioner due to the warm weather.  I used the receiving blanket to swaddle him to keep him warm.  Both fabrics are soft and gentle.  I have been using them over his carseat as a sun shield and to lay on during tummy time.  These are versatile and would make such a great gift for any new or expecting parent.  Your child is sure to use these blankets for any number of things during the first few years of life.  I have since purchased a second set because I love them so much. 

With two different blankets, you will have two swaddling options depending on temperature.  

The large size and shape are designed for the perfect swaddle.  

There are easy to follow swaddle instructions on the tag of each blanket. 

Dominic swaddled in the Ultimate Receiving Blanket.

SwaddleDesigns is the brand so many parents trust for their baby.

SwaddleDesigns products are known for their great quality and long lasting

value that moms and babies love and enjoy for years.

For more information you can find Swaddle Designs Swaddle Duo here.  

Follow Swaddle Designs on Twitter @SwaddleDesigns

Like Swaddle Designs on Facebook

Follow Swaddle Designs on Pinterest

Already LOVE Swaddle Designs, make sure to sign up here for their emails to be notified of sales and discounts!

GIVEAWAY!!

Swaddle Designs is giving one of you a Swaddle Duo in your color choice!!

RULES:

You must be 18 years old or have a parent's permission to give out your shipping address.  Prize will be shipped directly from Swaddle Designs.  Open to US and Canada Residents only.  Giveaway will be open from October 16, 2013 to October 23, 2013.  Winer will be contacted through the email they used to sign up to Google.  So please make sure you have the contact option available.  

TO ENTER:

Visit the Swaddle Design website and leave a comment below telling me what Swaddle Duo color you would choose.

Thanks for stopping by and entering!!

Kristen

xx

Maxi Cosi Prezi Infant Car Seat Review

European Style With Modern Flair

(Above) 

Dominic was 3 days old on our way home from the hospital, taking his first ride in the Maxi Cosi Prezi.

There are so many infant car seats available today.  When I had my first child 5 years ago, an infant seat was a basic infant seat.  They all had relatively the same design, similar fabric options, and had the same features.  The MAXI COSI Prezi is anything but ordinary or uniform.  It's a super stylish car seat with color options and safety features I didn't find on the traditional "ordinary" infant car seats.

I have been using the MAXI COSI Prezi for a month now and love it.   First of all, the Prezi has a very modern look.  Which is appealing to a lot of us who are tired of the traditional baby gear.  The design has a European feel to it and I've gotten complements on it ever where I've gone.  

The anti-rebound bar keeps the seat more secure in case of an accident.  The anti-rebound bar is a safety feature that we were looking for in a car seat but it's not a feature that is standard on most infant seats.  

The newborn insert provides extra cushion for your fragile newborn while keeping them snug.  I found this to be a bonus when it came to getting my little one home from the hospital.  The easy out harness keeps the straps up.  This makes it so much easier to get baby out of the seat, plus they provide a little cushion on baby's shoulders.  

Additional Photos:

The Features:

Rear facing only.  4 to 30 pounds and up to 29 inches in length. Perfect for a premie. 

Superior Side Impact Performance and new G-Cell HX foam and Air Protect Technology

European canopy that can be stored away when not in use.

5 Point Harness

5 Position No Re-Thread Adjustable Head Rest  

Plush Padding

Adjustable handle

Easy Out Harness

Removable Infant Insert

Compatible with Multiple Strollers

6 Fabric Color Options

6 year lifespan before it expires

FAA Approved for use on an airplane

My Experience and Opinion:

Love, Love, Love!!

I have throughly enjoyed using the MAXI COSI Prezi.  I absolutely love the modern flair and European style.  The safety features are amazing! The Air Protect and anti-rebound bar make me feel that Dominic is as safe as he can be during travel.   The easy out harness holds the harness up which made it a breeze to get him in and out, especially since he is asleep most of the time.  The seat is so well padded, I know that he is snug and extremely comfortable.  

The Prezi is very easy to attach and remove from the base.  It is 11 lbs and is longer and heavier than most infant car seats.  I honestly did not find that to be a problem.  My son is currently 10 lbs and I have not had any issue carrying the seat.    The only thing that I can't rave about is the canopy.  I would have liked a bigger canopy that kept the sun off baby a little better.  

Over all, I love the seat and I have had a great experience with the Prezi.  I use it with my Baby Jogger City Select Stroller.  I purchased the adapter and it works perfectly.  I would recommend the Prezi to any parent looking to purchase an infant car seat.  

For more information of the Prezi visit the MAXI COSI website here.   The Prezi retails for $289.00 and can be purchased at multiple retailers including, BuyBuy Baby, Nordstrom, and Amazon.  

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my review.

Kristen

xx

*This product was sent to me for purposes of this review.  I did not receive monetary compensation and all opinions are my own.*  

Halo SleepSack Swaddle Review and Giveaway

The Orginial Wearable Blanket

Oh....How I love sleep sacks .  Sleep sacks are the safe way to keep your baby warm and snuggled without having the risk of a blanket in their bed. They help my baby sleep better, keeping them cozy.

This is the Halo SleepSack Swaddle.  I have it in the size 3-6 months or weight from 13-18 pounds.  The fabric is 100% cotton.

The Sleepsacks are great especially as we are getting in to the cooler months.  Due to the risk of SIDS, I try to keep my baby's room temperature comfortable, without running high heat, and I don't use blankets in his bed.  The Halo SleepSack keeps my baby warm and cozy and keeps me worry free.  I love that you can use it two different ways.  You can have their arms tucked in or out.  My son has gas and sometimes needs to move his arms around to help get more comfortable.  I love that I can adjust the SleepSack Swaddle without have to take him out.  I can simply adjust the flaps on the front.  This has proved to be very helpful.

I think this is a must have for all moms both new and seasoned.  They come in newborn and small sizes so your baby can be safety swaddled from birth to 6 months of age.

When I first read about this product, I loved knowing that the Halo SleepSack Swaddle is used in over 1000 hospital nurseries and was deemed "hip healthy" by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.A portion of all the sales are donated to safety and health organizations, which I have to say, I love a company that gives back.

Hands out.

Hands in.

During Oct, @HALOSleepSack is donating $1 to #SIDSAwareness for every new Facebook like. Please go like their page! www.facebook.com/halosleepsack

HALO Safer Way to Sleep Initiative:

"HALO Innovation’s SleepSack® Swaddle has become the standard for hospital nurseries and parents alike. In fact, 1,000 hospital nurseries use the HALO SleepSack Swaddle instead of blankets through the HALO Safer Way to Sleep Initiative. That is 1.5 million births getting first-hand, in-hospital experience with the HALO SleepSack Swaddle and safe sleep practices! Leading health organizations agree that modeling proper baby care in the hospital is the single biggest influence on how parents care for their baby at home. HALO Innovations also offers free Safe Sleep Practices kits to childbirth educators to help further the cause of SIDS prevention."

HALO's Instagram Contest

Check out Halo's Facebook page here  https://www.facebook.com/HaloSleepSack/app_115462065200508  for all the details on their Instagram contest and more chances to win your own SleepSack!!

GIVEAWAY!!!

Halo is giving one of you the opportunity to win a Halo SleepSack of your own!  You can choose your size and gender color preference.  

To Enter:

  Leave a comment below telling me when you first became a mommy or daddy or when your first little one is due.

Extra Entries:

Add a Halo SleepSack to your baby registry.

Follow Halo on Twitter  https://twitter.com/halosleepsack

Like Halo on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/HaloSleepSack

Follow Halo on Pinterest  http://www.pinterest.com/halosleepsack/

**** One comment equals one entry.  You can leave one comment per entry option. ****

Rules:

You must be 18 or older to enter or have a parent's or guardian's permission to enter.  You will need to provide your mailing address to Halo.  Giveaway will run from Tuesday, October 8, 2013 until Monday, October 14, 2013.  Winner will be contacted by the email they registered with through Google.  

WINNER:

CASEY

Halo SleepSack Swaddles can be found at the following retailers:

Halosleep.com

Target

Babies R Us

Amazon

Final Thoughts:

I love my Halo SleepSack Swaddle!!

Good Luck!!

Thank you so much for checking out my thoughts and review!

Kristen

xx

Fall Lorac Pro Garnet Tutorial

Go Garnet for Fall with the Lorac Pro Palette

This is one of my current favorite looks.  It's very wearable to daytime and screams FALL.  I love how the warm browns and red comes together and creates the perfect fall inspired look.

Products Used:

Eyes:

Lorac Pro Palette Shades: Taupe, Garnet, Sable, and Espresso

Maybelline Line Stiletto Liquid Liner Black

Red Cherry 43 Lashes

It Cosmetics Your Brows But Better Brown Pencil

Face:

Laura Mercier Silk Cream Foundation

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural

Covergirl and Olay Corrector

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer NW15

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder

Elf Blush in Blushing Rose

NARS Laguna Bronzer

Lorac Spotlight Highlighter

Hourglass Dim Light Ambient Powder

Lips:

Bite Beauty Lip Pencil in Rhubarb

Buxom Mudslide Gloss

You can check out a full tutorial here:

Be sure to subscribe and add me to your Google + circle!!

Thanks for reading and watching!

Kristen

xx

My Top Ten Current Favorite Lip Colors For Fall

Hey guys! So today I wanted to bring you my current favorites for Fall lip colors.  I typically go for pinks and nudes so during the fall I like to wear more color.  Some are great for every day and others are great for a pop of color.  

This is also a collab with my friend Bailey from Beauty with Bailey.  Be sure to check out her post here on her amazing lip picks for Fall!

L to R: Buxom Dolly, Buxom Mudslide, Buxom Brooklyn, Jouer Lola, Bite Beauty Rhubarb

L to R: MAC Rebel, MAC Plumful, Revlon Berry Smoothie, Maybelline Bit of Berry, Revlon Smitten

Buxom Mudslide

Buxom Dolly

Jouer Lola

Revlon Lip Butter Berry Smoothie

Buxom Brooklyn

MAC Plumful

Bite Beauty Rhubarb

MAC Rebel

Maybelline Bit of Berry

Revlon Smitten

Awesome Lip Combo

Buxom Brooklyn topped with Buxom Mudslide gloss

Thanks for checking out my fall lip picks! 

Kristen

xx

Guava Kids Baby Mitts and Boots Review and Giveaway

New and Improved Baby Mitts and Booties!

Guava Mitts in Lime Bubbles

Guava Mitts and Boots are the next MUST HAVE baby item.  As a mom who has previously struggled to keep mittens and socks or booties on my babies, these awesome new products seemed genius to me.   Both the Mitts and the Boots have velcro closures so they are more secure and baby will have a harder time pulling or kicking them off.  

These make the perfect baby gift.  They are so much better than the traditional baby mitten or bootie.  Believe me, I have seen my share of those items.  My two oldest boys always managed to get their mittens off and scratch their little faces.  With the velcro closure, they are fasten and baby is better protected from his/her finger nails.  

Guava Boots in Tiny Zoo

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Winner has been chosen and notified.  I am currently having technical issues having the winner's name displayed on the widget.  Thank you to everyone who entered!

Good luck to everyone who enters!

Kristen

xx

*These items were sent to me for purposes of this review.  All my thoughts are my own.  This was not a paid review.  Guavakids is personally hosting the giveaway.  

Belli Skin Birthday Bash Sale and Daily Giveaways!!!

It's Belli Skin's Birthday and to celebrate they are having a site wide sale of 30% off from September 9 thru September 24, 2013!! Use Code BDAYBASH30 at checkout!

My Product Recommendations for Mommies, Mommies to be, and everyone who wants fabulous skin:

Anti Blemish Face Wash

Eye Brightening Cream

Elasticity Belly Oil

This brand is amazing! Belli makes amazing products that are safe for pregnancy but so amazing you'll want to continue to use them long after your baby is born.  The giveaways are incredible! Timi & Leslie have awesome diaper bags.  Belly Buds is a great way for you to connect with your little angel and let them hear your voice.  4moms makes some of the most innovative baby gear items around and who wouldn't want a Belly Bandit to help get their body back after baby?!  The other prizes are equally amazing!  

Happy Shopping!

Kristen

xx

Skin Actives Twilight Awaking Vitamin A Cream Review

Skin Actives is a brand I was not familiar with and had actually never heard of.  That actually intrigued me to give it a shot and review it.  Skin Actives sells a wide variety of skin and body care but can also be purchased wholesale for the creation of your own line.  I don't particularly think that is a good or bad thing, but think it's a good way for Salon's to carry "their brand" of a skin care line.  

The Skin Actives Twilight Awaking is a Vitamin A night cream, that should be applied directly to clean skin.  This is a yellow cream, not white like others, that has a very light smell to it.  

The Twilight Cream contains several amazing ingredients such as pomegranate oil, hyaluronic acid, and it's loaded with peptides.  

My Thoughts:

I like that there is no junky fillers in the product.  However, after the product was on your skin for a while the smell changed.  I didn't care for the smell of the oxidized product.  But that's not to say that I didn't see results over a 2 week period of time.  I did find that it did help lighten dark spots, but the use of sun screen with this product is a must!    

Overall:

I thought it was  a good product, but not one of the first ones that I would recommend to someone.    

Warning:

This product can increase the risk of sunburn.  You should use this product at night and wear the proper sun protection during the day. 

Skin Actives is:

You can find Skin Actives:

www.skinactives.com
www.facebook.com/SkinActives
www.twitter.com/SkinActives

Thanks for reading!

Kristen 

xx

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.