Nude Summer Make-Up Trend with #RimmelRealBeauty #CBias #shop

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and their client. All opinions are 100% my own. #cbias #socialfabric

With Summer literally right around the corner I have found myself searching for simple and easy looks while taking the kids to play dates and for last minute brunch dates with girlfriends. My style is always simple, I am happy in jeans and a t-shirt but no matter what I am wearing my make-up is always done. Summer trends are calling for fresh, nude, dewey looks. I have to admit I am a make-up hoarder, but when trying out a new trend I like to be wise about what I am spending so while shopping at Walmart I perused the cosmetic aisles. I typically do not purchase cosmetics from Walmart, but I wanted to create this new look on a budget and with affordability of the Rimmel London line I was able to pick-up an entire new Summer look for less than $30!

When creating this new on-trend look I kept it simple:

1. Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner in Black

2. Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in Rosetto

3. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Buff Beige

4. Rimmel Natural Bronzer

5. Glam' Eyes Quad Eyeshadow in Sun Safari

6. Rimmel Stay Glossy Lip Gloss in Seduce Me

Before adding make-up to my face I always prep with moisturizer. I have a lot of sun damage to my face especially on my forehead so I always add a concealer and then I apply liquid foundation with SPF to my entire face. I wanted to try the pressed powder because I've never really used a powder. I loved how light this powder was and it added a subtle lightness to my skin.

I next added bronzer to my cheekbones, forehead, nose and jawline. This is a staple in my make-up routine. Bronzer adds that sun-kissed glow and it's a necessity when trying to achieve this look. I have to tell you that I was pleasantly surprised with this bronzer. It is lighter than the ones I already own and it has become a favorite. It's light and adds the perfect amount of glow my skin needs. Everyone, and I mean everyone, needs a bronzer in their cosmetic bag, it's not just for Summer ladies!

I next applied the eyeshadow. I love this sun safari quad combo, it's perfect for my blue eyes and it gives the perfect shimmer. The neat thing about this product is that on the back it shows you how to apply it and with what complimentary products for a certain look. It also tells you what eye color it best suites, so if you're not really sure what colors work best on you Rimmel has done the work for you. Because I was doing a day look, I only used the highlighting shade (bottom) and the two side shades. 

You can apply eyeliner next, I always tend to use a black or brown. This look would be great with a turquoise eyeliner but I went with what I know and purchased the black kohl liner. This eyeliner is seriously the best kohl liner I have ever purchased from any make-up line. It lines with ease and seriously last for hours. I lined my upper and flood line for a dramatic eye. With a nude look go for either a dramatic eye or lip. I prefer a dramatic eye. Apply mascara next. 

 Apply a nude lipstick. I always make sure there's a little foundation or powder on my lip as base.  This lipstick lasts long and it's the perfect nude shade. 

 Lastly, apply a lip gloss. I chose a clear to give that perfect sheen but you could easily choose a complimentary nude shade to enhance the color. I love this lip gloss, it's not sticky like other brands and again light which is perfect for the warm Summer days.

Because we were going to an early dinner as a family I went for a more dramatic look on my eye but if I were going out for errands with the kids I would skip the black eyeliner and just apply a thin coat of mascara. 

Whatever you are trying to achieve this Summer Rimmel London has created the perfect products to help you obtain that sun-kissed nude look! Follow Rimmel London on Instagram for fun beauty tips!

kicking off Summer with Tim!

Friday night I attended my fourth Tim McGraw concert. It was the perfect way to kick start Summer even though we're still a few weeks away from the solstice. I went with a co-worker and we decided on the general pit tickets and it worked out just the way I had intended. We made our way to the stage while Love & Theft opened (seriously cutie patootie country boys) and after an almost fight with some crazy middle aged women we took our spots at stage left. Brantley Gilbert was the second act and let me tell you that his raspy, bad boy country act was amazing! I am totally a new fan and started downloading his album as we drove away from the Sleep Train amphitheatre. Tim McGraw did not disappoint, I love that man. His new smokin' 40-pound slim down was jaw dropping. I seriously could not stop staring at his arms and well his ass in those tight pants. Damn! I am starting to sound like one of those crazy middle aged women. We wedged our way behind two couples which put us one person away from the stage, the show was amazing and one of those nights I'll never forget. Singing along to my favorite songs like "seventeen" going back sixteen years ago like I was singing the song for the first time. This Summer is going to be amazing! What are you looking most forward to?

farmers market pasta

Last Saturday the lil miss and I headed over to the Poway's farmer market to pick-up some goodies for the week. I had her pick out whatever she wanted (within reason of course) and I have to say that she came up with some great picks this week! This will be a new tradition for her and I. She started off with some fresh orange juice and then we picked out our produce and our last stop was grabbing some lunch to take home to the boys.

A selection of our produce and the inspiration for my farmers market pasta. Payton loved the baby zucchini and summer squash so we purchased enough to add to the lemon sage pasta she chose to go rightfully so with artichokes we had purchased the day before. This girl is going to be a great cook, I am so happy that she loves it so much already.

Farmers Market Pasta

1 cup baby zucchini, trimmed and sliced lengthwise
1 cup yellow summer squash, trimmed and quartered
2 small heirloom tomatoes, large dice
2 artichokes, steamed and then grilled. Hearts chopped. (you can substitute frozen or jarred hearts, we grilled some on Memorial Day and saved them for this recipe)
3 cloves of garlic, minced
3 TB butter (or EVOO)
fresh basil to garnish
10 oz. close to home fresh lemon sage pasta

How:
Bring a pot of water to boil. In the meantime, melt butter in a saucepan. Once melted add in zucchini, squash, artichokes and garlic. Saute for a few minutes until soft and then add in tomatoes. Once the water boils cook your pasta for no longer than 2 minutes if using fresh, if not, follow package directions.

Plate the pasta and top with vegetables. Garnish with basil. The kids added cheese to theirs, we did not. Serve with cheese if you wish.

goals, check!

I realize it's been an entire month since my last post. I know I promised before & after pictures a few short days after my last post and I never got around to sharing. Bad Melissa! After having, Amy, a friend and TDM instructor snap my picture right after class I could see a difference despite my horrid just woke-up face. I had been searching for a before picture that properly depicted my large, tub-a-wubba state pre-The Dailey Method and it was actually pretty difficult. Most pictures were cropped,  I hid the chub well with clothing, a baby on my hip, or a group of friends were in front of me. While I was going back on my external hard drive I found a few pictures and one stuck out to me. I was at my heaviest. I was six-months post partum with Payton and at my lowest of all lows mentally. A few months after that picture was taken I probably only lost ten pounds and then I got preggo with Mr. Bradykins. When I began my true weight loss journey last January I weighed 170, in the picture I was ten pounds heavier. Last month I celebrated my one-year anniversary with TDM, it's simply crazy that I have been apart of that supportive community for that long now. I am a stronger person and I am so proud of where I am today. When I stared down at my phone looking at the before & after shots I sat there as tears quietly ran down my cheek. I did it. I set a simple goal of getting back to the "old" me, a healthier me and I freaking did it. I am stronger for my babies, I am a happier person and I can say I stuck to a goal for myself.

There are hard days, I am not going to lie. Unlike most who sigh and moan when the instructor says, "it's a ball day" I let out a sigh or relief, there's just something joyful about that little green ball. I dread low c-curve and as I make my way up to the barre for thigh work always leaves me guessing. If thigh work wasn't already hard enough hearing the prompts to sink lower and lift your heels a little higher while having a broken toe and the neighboring effed up toe recovering from surgery always makes me sweat and shake like I have turrets. I always ask myself why the hell I got out of bed and then while doing back dancing listening to Gangnam Style I remember why I love it so much. It pushes you, the instructors motivate you and after 60-minutes you made it through another workout alive with or without making an ass out of yourself.

We have two weeks left on our 60-day challenge and I have been doing mediocre. I promised myself I would attend 3-4 times a week and with each class I attend I give myself a little pat on my back because I still found the time in my hectic schedule to make it there. Lord knows it isn't easy to balance everything that our day-to-day schedules brings but by taking 60-minutes out of the day for me just brings it all in and for that I am grateful.

Since beginning my weight loss journey with The Dailey Method I have lost 40 pounds, I have gone from a size 12 to a size 6 and I can finally say that since having kids I finally feel like the "old" me pre-kids. Plus or minus the saggy boobs. ;)

What motivates you? Have you checked off a goal lately?

proud. determined. motivated.

My weight loss journey has been something I am proud to tell people, I mean to lose (and maintain) a  thirty-five pound weight loss is amazing. I feel as if it consumes me on some days especially when I am at work. I hear a lot of "wow! you look great for having two kids" and honestly the employees see what I am posting on instagram and help me stick to the diet plan I am currently on by reminding me to stay focused. There are days where I know I can do better but then I am reminded how far I have come in a year. Jim says this is the happiest he has seen me in years and that my confidence level is at an all-time high, I smile and of course know that he's right because I see it. I am excited again to try on bathing suits or even go bra shopping. I don't mind the stretch marks that I got from being chubby vs from being pregnant. It has been a battle for the past four years and I am more than proud of where I am today. Since beginning The Dailey Method last April I have gained a confidence level that I never had. Of course I have days where I don't think I can make it through another tuck and hold but then I get through it and feel so accomplished. I think that's just it, I have been accomplishing these goals with each class I attend and it has made me a stronger person through it all. Just about two weeks ago I began the 60-day challenge that will go right up until my 31st birthday. The first week I don't think I was mentally on board, but this week I have gone full throttle with following the meal plan and ensuring I get to at least four classes per week. While I would love to attend more classes I believe that four to five classes is ideal with my schedule right now. The meal plan is plant based and if you follow me on instagram you've seen all of the yummy dishes that I've been preparing. Jim asked me earlier this week where his wife was and has been laughing that it must be that I am in my thirties now because ten years ago I wouldn't have eaten this way. The great thing is, is that I am loving it and have began craving vegetables right when I wake-up. I even went four days without realizing I hadn't had coffee because I was replacing my morning coffee with a green smoothie! I am so determined to lose these last stubborn five pounds that it is driving me crazy. I cleaned out my closet earlier this week to finally let go of that old me, I figured it was the second step of getting where I want to be. I am so excited and determined for these next six weeks of the challenge. I will be sharing some new before/after pics on Monday. Thanks to all for all the support & love over the last year. 

Coffee House Quality at Home with Gevalia #cupofkaffe #cbias

Mornings for us have gotten a lot busier. It seems like I am finding less time for the day-to-day routines that I used to be able to do without a problem. I blame that on my tight schedule. With having to run errands, pick up the house, prepare dinner before I leave for work and still take care of the kids I am finding it hard for myself to even get breakfast down. Thankfully I was just introduced to Gevalia single serve coffee cups for my Keurig to help me get my morning started so I can make it through my packed daily routines. 

I am usually not one that enjoys straight coffee. I enjoy my roast bold, with a little sweetener and a splash of milk. I've found that most of the k-cup varieties are not strong enough and if they are they tend to be too bitter and have an off taste. The bright yellow packaging told me to hold out hope. 

When I brewed my first cup of Gevalia I was hesitant so I had my Mom go first. She enjoyed it and said it was perfect for her especially since she drinks her coffee black. I still can't go black so I first added in some caramel syrup into my glass and hit brew for a medium sized cup. I finished off my glass with a splash of milk. The first sip was amazing, it tasted so closely to my double shot that I am used to ordering at my local coffee shop. The roast could have been a little more bold but the finish was rich and not bitter whatsoever! Score! I think after having our Keurig for the past few months I've finally found a k-cup that offers what it states. Gevalia has hit the ball out of the park by offering a traditional roast coffee that is easy to use at home yet tastes like a coffee shop. I did notice when I was shopping at Walmart that they only offered the medium roast but other retailers offer different roasts. I can't wait to try out the different varieties. To see my entire shopping trip head on over here.

Bring the taste of a coffee shop into the comforts of your own home! Find Gevalia on:

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Disclaimer: I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This content has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and Kraft Foods #CupOfKaffe #cbias #SocialFabric

I'm alive...

It's a Christmas miracle, er, a Spring miracle...a post! I know your probably in shock right now. I have been a bad, bad blogger, I have thought about this blog 'o mine everyday and every night as I lay in bed but I just couldn't post. As a blogger I've hit many dry spells, many uncreative days and plain 'ole posting road block. Since returning back to work I have re-prioritized a lot of things in my life. This blog has taken the back burner as I got back into a working routine and I hope you understand that. Hell, I don't even go on Facebook any longer and that in itself speaks for itself. It wasn't until the last week or so when I started receiving e-mails and texts asking if I was ever going to blog again that a "I am alive" post was needed. So, as you can tell I am alive...yay! We have been very busy, the kids are non-stop and I mean non-stop. Days are spent running errands, dates at the park, endless hours of backyard exploration, attempting to get the house in order (keyword attempt) and then I rush off to work. I am working more than I had intended but it has been good for everyone...except for Brayden who has apparently hit the separation anxiety stage so poor Jim has to deal with Brayden running around looking and calling for me. It breaks my heart.

Speaking of Brayden, it's crazy that my baby will be one and a half next week. We finally had his fifteen month appointment last week since we missed it back in January. He is finally growing and has inched away from the teens in terms of percentages to 55th for weight and 95th for height. He is speaking like crazy, everyday is something new and he copies everything his sister says. Our newest words are: "ta-tule" for turtle, "me, me, me", no and Easter. He has started piecing two and three words together and says about twenty-five words. He understands almost everything you tell him and he usually replies with a nonchalant, "yeah". Like, Brayden did you poop? "yeah, mama". We're also getting emotional reactions, cue terrible two temper tantrums, excited woo-hoo's, yeah's and woah's. He loves any cleaning tool and any attempt of me going into the laundry room results in the biggest meltdown ever when he can't "play" with the mop, broom and/or vacuum. I might have to remind him of this when he's fourteen...and I will also have to remind him that pulling up his shirt and sticking his hand into his diaper started way before I had imagined. There is never a dull day with my charming, intelligent, dare devil of a little man.

Payton is no longer a baby in any way, shape or form. I now get "duh" and "are you joking? you're joking right" after many statements. She is more than ready for school and luckily for everyone involved she is finally starting preschool in the Fall. While I am excited for the social interactions I am sad she's growing up. She really is my best friend and I look forward to our conversations everyday. Last week when we were at Brayden's appointment Dr. Martinez and I were chatting about how fast she's growing. She's now a 5T or XS in the big girl department and still a size 10 shoe, Dr. Martinez said that she is the size of a five-year-old and she's not even three-and-a-half. As bad as I want her to get older, I still cannot believe how big and smart she has gotten. Her imagination and memory is incredible...like you can't put anything past her, cue that glass of wine! Last week Mr. Todd (from Peter Rabbit) was secretly hiding in the house and followed me all the way to work, we had to "hurry up" because he was on to us. Or, she will ask to wear a dress she hasn't worn since the Summer and gives you the whole back story on where and whom purchased it. She's crazy, in a good way. She can be found singing her ABC's non-stop, ordering her baby bro around and loving on everyone. She's an angel.

Okay, so as you can see, we're all alive...including Jim who didn't get any spotlight except for this mention and that's only because I am tired and want this post to be published. He's still traveling, not as much as a month ago, but he's closing deals he has been working on for what seems like forever. We're working on small house projects and he is Mr. Mom when I am away. We're swimming with our heads above the water for now...