eShakti Dress Review

As the cloud of morning sickness slowly starts to lift away, I remember that I have a blog to keep up with! 

Sorry guys for the hiatus I have been feeling extraordinarily like crapola for the last few weeks and haven't had the energy to do much of anything. So back to this whole blogging thing...

Remember back in February when I announced on my Facebook page that I was chosen by eShakti to review one of their customized dresses? It arrived in the mail right before my trip to Disney World so I decided that it would have to wait until after our vacation then I would write a review. I tried it on, it fit really well so what difference would 2 weeks make? When 2 weeks turned into 3, 4 weeks, then I noticed something. 

Crap, I'm now too pregnant to wear this dress. 

So I had to call in reinforcements because I gave this wonderful company my word that I would review this dress.  I have a friend who is a similar size, the dress is totally something I could see her wearing, and I told her if she agreed to let me photograph her for the review that she could have the dress!

I was first introduced to eShakti from another blogger. She was hosting a giveaway and after checking out the website, I was just had to enter. You see, eShakti is different from other clothing sites out there. You have the option to completely customize your dress, meaning you put in your measurements and they will tailor the dress to your numbers. There are also options to make a sleeveless dress a halter top, add/remove pockets, you can make short sleeves longer (or go sleeveless!), and even adjust the height of the hem. They do have standard sizing from 0-36W and if you order a standard size, they list those measurements as well. It takes all the mystery out of ordering online, you no longer have to wonder if it will fit because the dress can be customized just for you.

Imagine my surprise when I actually won the giveaway! I immediately knew what occasion I would order the dress for: Homecoming! So I picked out my dress, put in my measurements, and had the dress at my doorstep within 2 weeks. The fabric was a great quality, I was impressed.

So when eShakti asked me to review a dress on my blog, I had to oblige. The ordering process was just as simple this time. I submitted my measurements. I added pockets. I changed the dress from strapless to a halter top and I made the hem hit slightly above my knee. The dress was here in no time and the quality of the dress was just as great as the first dress I ordered. 

   
I daresay, I think the dress looks way cuter on her than it did on me! I picked this dress because it makes for the perfect spring or summer dress, for picnics, BBQs, or whatever fun get together the warmer weather brings. You can totally dress it up with a cardigan, skinny belt, and wedges or throw on a pair of flip-flops to run out the door!

I can't say enough how much I love the ability to customize their clothing. They now have bridesmaid dresses available as well as tops & skirts. Did I mention the first time you order, your customization is free?! 

Check out their website, they change up their clothing quite often and run specials frequently! They are definitely my "go to" when I am looking for a dress for a special occasion.
 
 

 

 

Trying Out New Things

Since deployment started over for us last week I have been getting back into survival mode. You would think it would be easier since homecoming is only getting closer, but nope not for me. You know how when your sailor deploys like a million things go wrong? I thought we were exempt from that since we are still technically on the same deployment. Boy was I wrong. After a rough start to this week, a special delivery on my doorstep made me very happy: new makeup!

I am stuck in a rut. I have been wearing the same makeup colors for at least 5 years now. I am long overdue for a makeup makeover! I have been kind of hesitant because I don't want to spend the money then hate the product or the color looks bad on me. So when I noticed that e.l.f Cosmetics was having a 50% off everything sale I just couldn't resist. Most of their stuff is only $1 so even if I didn't like the color, I wouldn't feel as bad if I didn't use it.

I did my research and I have one friend that is raves about e.l.f. makeup, I figured I could try it out. After browsing internet reviews, the only 2 negative complaints about the makeup were there wasn't enough pigment so you needed to apply more than usual and the makeup didn't last all day. But a vast majority of the reviews raved about the product because it was of good quality and it was inexpensive. Sweet!

So here is the box of goodies that arrived on my doorstep today! This entire box cost me under $30.

-Fair Skin Collections Starter Kit $20

Brightening Eye Color in Nouveau Neutrals

Clarifying Pressed Powder in Ivory

Tinted Moisturizer in Light

Hypershine Gloss in Bare

Blush in Innocence

All Over Color Stick in Persimmon

Under Eye Concealer & Highlighter in Glow/Fair

Concealer Pencil & Brush in Fair

Signature Case

Eye Shadow Brush

Blushing, Bronzing and Blending Brush

Total Face Brush 

- Essential Brightening Eye Color in Ethereal $1
- Studio Makeup Mist and Set $3
- Studio Blush in Tickled Pink $3
- Mineral Lipstick in Natural Nymph $5

So I prepped my face like I normally do, and I made sure to use makeup primer. I absolutely love Smashbox's Photo Finish Primer with SPF 15, I just wish it was cheaper! 

I applied the tinted moisturizer and it was very sheer. A little more sheer than I expected, but my goal was to find a lighter foundation to wear day to day and this was it! Then I tried out the under eye concealer. I was hesitant because I don't feel I need anything specifically for my under eye area. Also in the past when I have tried out under eye concealer I end up looking like a raccoon! So when I tried out the e.l.f. under eye concealer I was pleasantly surprised. It was very lightweight, easy to blend, and didn't settle into my under eye lines. On the other end of the concealer was the highlighter. It was a very sheer, white shimmer. I used it on the inside of my eyes near my nose and right under my eyebrows. I read somewhere that is where you supposed to apply highlighter but this was my first time trying it out. Next I used the clarifying pressed powder with my new total face brush. So this powder has salicylic acid in it and that is a total win for me since I am prone to breakouts. But, I haven't used a clarifying powder in years and I just remember the weird smell they used to have. The e.l.f. clarifying powder didn't smell like that all. The powder did its job well and as for the brush, it was okay I just prefer something with more bristles. It was soft and I didn't notice much shedding. But I still prefer my Smashbox Face and Body Brush #19 and like most of Smashbox's products it cost me way too much money...The last product I applied to my face was the studio blush in tickled pink with my new blending brush. I put on the blush and it did take a few swipes to get the color to show. I also applied the all over color stick in persimmon to my cheeks and blended it with the blush. The combo worked out really well.

For my eyes, I always start out with Urban Decay Eye Shadow Potion in Sin. This primer will make any eyeshadow last forever. I ended up using both of the brightening eye shadow quads. Noveau Neutrals were all matte and Ethereal was pretty much identical but in shimmers. So I used some of the shimmers and some of the matte. What I did notice about the white eyeshadow is the one with shimmer, lost its shimmer as I applied it. I had little specs of shimmer on my face. Otherwise the colors were great! I applied my usual eyeliner, Clinique Quickliner for Eyes in Dark Chocolate followed by my usual mascara, Cover Girl LashBlast Volume. Oh yah, I also covered my eyebrows with Bare Minerals Brow Color in Ash Blonde.

I tried out all 3 lip products and I still have some playing around to do. I will definitely NOT use the all over color stick in persimmon on my lips, it just was the total wrong color for my lips. The hypershine gloss in bare was a great gloss, not at all sticky or gooey feeling. The mineral lipstick in natural nymph was great too. But both colors were just a little too pale for me. Which I thought was pretty impossible but hey you learn something new every day! I think if I used my pinkish-mauve lipliner with the lipstick I will end up with a great color. I would need a darker lipcolor in order to apply the gloss over it as well so I don't end up looking so washed out. So both of them were wonderful products, just in the wrong color. I think I may order the mineral lipstick in nicely nude to see if it looks better for me!

After getting all of my makeup on, I applied the makeup mist and set spray. Then I gave this new makeup the ultimate test: 60 minutes of Spin Intervals class! *Muahahaha*

I know I know you aren't supposed to wear makeup to the gym and I usually don't! But for the sake of research, I wanted to test out this makeup through sweat because in case you all didn't notice it is summertime outside. Not the ideal conditions for makeup. So here are my lovely before and after photos:

Yup, the makeup made it through my workout! I swear, I was sweating in the gym. I was even wiping, well patting, my face with a towel throughout class. But I don't drip sweat from my face when I workout either. I am a little shinier on the after shot, but that is to be expected. You can see the little shimmers from the white eyeshadow are no longer there and neither is my lipstick. Otherwise, this makeup passed the test. But you know what the key is to make any good makeup last? PRIMER. If you have a good base for your makeup, it should last. My eyeshadow didn't crease. My foundation didn't crease. Everything stayed put. That is why you need primer folks. I also believe the mist and set spray helped out too. I used a different brand of setting spray for homecoming last year, in July, and my makeup lasted through the day. I also used primer.

My latest makeup purchases have made me very happy, I will be mixing in these new e.l.f. products with my old makeup must haves. I am very excited that even though this makeup was cheap, it looks and uses like the other pricier brands. 
 

Summer Hair!

Since my hair is very long, I am always looking for a cute way to keep it off my neck besides a basic ponytail. Luckily all of those hours I wasted on Pinterest actually amounted to something productive: I found a cute and easy way to wear my hair.

Here is the pin on Pinterest that I used!

My earrings are from Premier Designs Jewelry, Gold Lace

Its a little messy, but that is okay!

I know french braiding is intimidating, but braids are so cute for summer hair I just couldn't resist trying them out. 

This hairstyle was very easy and rather quick, I am definitely going to try it out again. I love how the french braids hold back all the layers of my hair and I don't have those annoying flyaways sticking to my face.


Oh and you see the super cute necklace I am wearing? It is called "On the Mark" and its from Stella and Dot. I won the necklace in a blogger giveaway and it is my current go-to necklace a daytime look. I love how simple and light this necklace is, perfect for the summer!

Review: Frederic Fekkai Marine Summer Hair, Beach Waves

I have been searching for a way to achieve sexy, effortless beach waves. I have tried curlers. I have tried the sock bun. Then I came across this gem at TJ Maxx: Frederic Fekkai Marine Summer Hair. I decided to give it a try. 

*Oh my goodness, I am in love!*

I tried it out this morning, I had showered last night and slept on my wet hair. So it was a hot mess this morning. I figured it was the perfect excuse to try out my new product! My hair is as straight as a board, I am not exaggerating by saying it has zero wave to it. 

As soon as I sprayed this stuff in, I could see a difference. It was a nice, light mist that smelled wonderful; not too strong and faintly sweet. It didn't make my hair stiff or wet looking once it dried. I simply scrunched up pieces of my hair after I sprayed it and finger styled. So very easy!

My hair held all day, even outside in the humidity. This product even offers some UV protection, which is great since I spend a lot of time outside. 

This product is definitely worth buying!

I am so happy to have found this product, I only paid $9.99 at TJ Maxx and when I looked it up online I saw it retails around $25!

Pinterest Review: White Chicken Enchiladas

I have been wanting to try out this recipe from the moment I came across it on Pinterest. Hubs agreed even though he isn't a fan of mexican food, he sure does love me :)

OMG. These. are. amazing. 

These enchiladas were very easy to make. I quickly cooked the chicken in my PChef DCB and whipped the sauce together while doing cooking the chicken. It took about an hour to prep, cook, and cool off. I am definitely working this one into my meal rotation!

White Chicken Enchiladas
10 soft taco shells
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
3 tbsp. butter
3 tbsp. flour
2 cups of chicken broth
1 cup of sour cream
1 (4 oz.) can of chopped green chilis

1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9x13 pan.
2. Mix chicken and 1 cup of cheese. Roll into tortillas and place in pan.
3. In a sauce pan, melt butter, stir in flour, and cook 1 minute. Add broth and whisk until smooth. Heat over medium until thick and bubbly.
4. Stir in sour cream and chilis. Do not bring to boil, you don't want curdled sour cream. 
5. Pour over enchiladas and top with remaining cheese.
6. Bake 22 minutes and then under high broil for 3 minutes to brown the cheese.

This recipe I found on Pinterest and over at Joyful Momma's Kitchen. There are quite a few of her recipes that look oh so delicious that I want to try out so check out her blog!

I did do a few minor things differently when I cooked my version of the enchiladas: Instead of 2 cups of chicken broth I just used 1 can, I used monterey jack and colby cheese so that is why my enchiladas look more yellow and I also used more cheese than called for, I used 2 cups with the chicken and topped with 2 cups. Mmm cheese...

Like I said earlier, these enchiladas were yummy. I am glad there was enough for leftovers so I can enjoy them all week!

Pinterest Review: Sonia Kashuk Perfectly Neutral

 

Ever since Urban Decay came out with their newest Naked palette (its eye makeup, get your minds out of the gutter!), I have been seriously debating buying it. The problem: Its $50! I am glad I held off on buying it because I found this alternative palette that costs less than $20 PLUS a tutorial on how to use it. If you don't follow The Small Things blog or her Pinterest boards, you are missing out on amazing hair & makeup tutorials!

The Sonia Kashuk Perfectly Neutral palette can be found at Target for under $20. After watching Kate's tutorial, I realized I needed a new eye makeup brush but I was able to pick up an E.L.F. Defining Eye Brush for $1. E.L.F. makeup brushes are amazing by the way and super cheap!

I was very impressed with the quality of the powder, it was a much silkier powder than most other equally priced ones. The colors looked the same on my skin as they did in the palette. Which is great because I hate it when you buy eye shadow and you have to put on a ton of it to get the color you want! The palette comes with an eye shadow primer, but I like to use Urban Decay in Sin. With my primer, the eye shadow lasted all day!

I am so very happy I found out about this eye shadow palette, thanks Kate! I wanted to share this with all my friends, I hope you like it as much as I do.

Pinterest Review: Trying Out Sock Bun Curls!

Thanks to Pinterest, I came across this tutorial about how to use a sock bun to get curls. My hair is board straight, zero wave or curl. I have thin hair but I have ALOT of it! In order to achieve beautiful, cascading curls I have to use heat like a curling iron. So this tutorial intrigued me: amazing curls with no heat? I decided to give it a try.

Attempt #1: I did just as the tutorial stated. After 10 hours of my hair being in the bun, it was still damp when I took it out. So my hair fell flat in a matter of minutes.

Attempt #2: I decided to go with 2 sock buns, think Princess Leia. One bun turned out great, the other one had creases from the ponytail holder. I ended up wearing my hair half-up so it covered up my mistake.

Attempt #3: 

I used 2 sock buns but stacked them this time. I had them in for about 12 hours. Please ignore the mess on my bathroom counter...

The bottom layer was very slightly damp, I wonder if I need to use a thicker sock. It wasn't damp enough to ruin the waves though!

 No creases from the ponytail holder this time. I made sure I didn't wrap it as tightly.

View of the sock bun 'do from the front.

I pinned back some of my front layers (check out how here) and Voila! hairstyle complete.

Overall, I was impressed with the outcome. This will be a great summer hairstyle since it comes out more as beachy waves instead of cascading curls. To be honest, I wasn't expecting curls with my hair. The waves held up well all day too.

I tend to take a shower before bedtime quite often, so having an easy hairstyle I can 1) Do without using heat, and 2) Do the night before to save time in the morning, I am a fan!


*Everyone's result will differ depending on your hair. I have a friend that I know personally used this and ended up with the curls that I was hoping for. She also has wavier hair than I do and its shorter. Anyways, just try it out for yourself to see what you come up with!*


This Pinterest review inspired me to add more posts like this to my blog. Next I plan to review a make-up tutorial found here. 


Did anyone notice how much better the photos are on this post versus my older posts? Hubs bought me a new camera: Canon PowerShot SX130 IS! I am still learning how to use it but I am IN LOVE with it. Since I am still a novice, I have some funny outakes to share with you all. I was trying to take pictures of my hair/outfit combination and kept reviewing the picture immediately after I took it. What ended up happening: instead of reviewing I ended up taking shots by accident! Note how my head is cocked to the side like I am confused and thinking hard....

Don't forget about the Baby Blanket Giveaway I have going on!