Event: Cyber Monday deals 2010

Are you ready for another fun-filled day of sales and specials without the hassle of looking for parking or the dread of stand in line for hours? Well, you can still participate in "stimulating the economy" in the comfort of your own home through Cyber Monday!

Since I'm always on the lookout for a good deal on natural/organic skincare and cosmetics, here are a few links below of some of the products I use and enjoy. Take advantage of their sale prices for your own consumption or start stacking up on several items as gifts for your loved ones. Either way, there's nothing like taking advantage of a good bargain.  YAY!

Hurry and check out the discounts on these amazing products before the sale is over!!



Sibu Beauty&Wellness (Code: BLACK) or Anti-Aging Package (code FRIDAY)
http://www.sibu.com/


(Soap.com) Yes to Brands and Kiss My Face 30% off  Code: Save30
http://www.soap.com/product/category.aspx?categoryid=90&categoryname=Natural+%26+Organic&queryfrom=category


Gabriel Cosmetics 15 -30% off Gabriel skin care for the month of November. Code: SEA15SKIN
http://www.gabrielcosmeticsinc.com/index.cfm

Pharmaca 2010 Holiday Gift Guide
http://www.pharmaca.com/Default.aspx

Natural Joy Beauty 15% OFF Online Orders Now thru Cyber Monday (11/29) Code: TURKEY
http://www.naturaljoybeauty.com/servlet/StoreFront
 
Skin Botanica 20% off Storewide Code: BESTSELL20
http://skinbotanica.com/
 
MyChelle Dermaceuticals Save 15% off all orders for the month of November Code: FALL15
http://www.mychelle.com/
 
Aubrey Organics Cyber Monday deals (codes available Monday, 11/29)
http://www.aubrey-organics.com/
 
Desert Essence 30% off on exclusive naturally caring gifts sets
http://www.desertessence.com/holidays-gift-guide
 
Dr. Bonner's Magic All-One 15% off all month
http://www.drbronner.com/DBMS/SPECIALS.htm
 
Radiant Minerals makeup 30% off every order Code: Blackfriday1110
http://www.radiantmineralmakeup.com/
 
Zosimos Botanicals 10% off; buy two products get 1 free
http://www.zosimosbotanicals.com/
 
Korres Save 25% on orders $35+ Code: ROSE25
http://www.korresusa.com/
 
(Skinstore.com) Arcona 20% off Code: Cyber20
http://www.skinstore.com/search/search.aspx?catID=0&ft=arcona&as=Natural+(Descending)&ppp=48&c=True
 
Face naturals 30% off on all gifts sets
http://www.facenaturals.com/
 
Yes to Carrots 15% off your order Code: YTCOOL
http://www.yestocarrots.com/
 
Boscia, Jane Iredale, Arcona, Dr. Hauschka, Astara, Juice Beauty, etc. 20% off Code: HOL20
http://www.spalook.com/index.aspx
 

Happy Shopping!!

Laugh, Love, Live Positive

Gratitude Giveaway Winners!!

And the winners are...


Lisette Mendez and Michelle Villafuerte!!!

I cannot wait to meet you both to experience Kandee's final Glaminar in L.A. This will truly be an event of a lifetime! What better way to experience this than with the company of such beautiful and deserving ladies. Congratulations to you both! : )

Love, Laugh, Live, Give

NaturallyNancyDlish

Inspiration: Gratitude comes full circle...

Count your blessings. A grateful heart attracts more joy, love, and prosperity!

~Cheryl Richardson

This is it! This is the spot my Glaminette sisters! In thirty-five words or less go ahead and tell me how your life has changed since the Glaminars. I will be creating a gratitude board for Kandee to be given to her at the final "Glami-tour" venue in L.A.

Attached to the board will be your lovely names along with your heart felt words of appreciation of how this incredible event has impacted your life.

Here's an example:

Since the Glaminars I've become a highly skilled makeup artist, joined a social networking site, and started a blog advocating health, hope and happiness. I am grateful for Kandee's spirit and infectious joy for life.
~Nancy D. Cox

Let's keep it short and sweet so I can fit all your wonderful well wishes on the board. : )


How to enter:

* This raffle is open to Pasadena attendees only. More giveaways open to everyone will be conducted at a later date. I'll keep you posted. : )

* You must follow my blog to qualify.

*Go to the comments section below and enter a gratitude note for Kandee in thirty five words or LESS. Don't forget to include your name at the end. This will automatically qualify you for the raffle.

*You must reply within 24 hours of being notified as the winner of the contest, or a new winner will be chosen. Winner will be announced on my blog.

*Contest ends Wednesday, 11/17/10 extended to Friday, 11/19/10 through Random.org

Only TWO more GLAMINARS left!! Hurry and enter for this chance of a lifetime to see Kandee shine!!!

So with that said, head on down to comment section below and clearly state...

Inspiration: This I've found to be my truth: Friendships and Mentors

I just sent a special note to a couple of my good friends from highschool and college. It feels good to reach out to these folks, especially to those whose made a difference in my life.


Do you remember those incredible friendships you've made that affected your life in the most profound way?
Do you recall the relationship that taught you to open up to a whole new set of emotions you never thought you were capable of  showing much less feeling?

Here is my story...


When we first met in highschool, everything about her felt very familiar - like family. As I got to know her more, I found that we shared the same birthday month (born a week apart), both our mothers shared the same birthday month (born a day apart), we both had siblings who were born in the month of December (not sure about the dates) and a host of numerous life experiences we shared made us realize that our meeting was no coincidence.


Our personalities complemented each other. I was the extroverted, opinionated "wild child" who had all these crazy ideas about make-up. She was reserved, thoughtful and a sensitive soul with a keen eye for business. She would always remind me to "look before leaping" into anything. She was like my long lost sister. We were inseperable.

Not long after I met my "sister", I met another friend. He was tall, graceful, and beautiful ...but very shy. All the girls in class (and in school for that matter)  wanted to meet him and  know more about him. But for some reason, we had a connection. I introduced myself and that was it. We just laughed and had a great time for the entire hour in  class.


As fate would have it, he and I danced together for the school play. We were paired to dance in the school production of  "West Side Story", which was my all time favorite musical. Since we had such a great time laughing and dancing, I thought to introduce him to my "sister"...come to find out...she already met him in her dance class! Our friendship was fated. From that point on, we were as thick as thieves. We would do charity work together, went to clubs to dance until dawn, and swapped cars for errands and interviews. We would take turns paying for expenses such as gas, meals and yes, cover charge (hahaha!). Sure, we had our disagreements but we figured,  every relationship goes through a bit of bickering. They were resolved by making each other laugh from an impromptu dance off. Think Madonna's "Vogue" style dancing with the serious faces coupled with erratic arm movements.
We went nuts trying to out-Vogue each other! hahaha!

Family events and holidays were lively and fun! We visited each others families and ate home-made tamales made by hand (his grandmother's place), then a bit of classic Indian/Portuguese dishes (her family's place) and finally, traditional Filipino meals my mother made in her home. Our get-togethers consisted of animated chatter, drinks, food and music. It was fantastic!
 

What I cherished most from that time in my life was how often  we lifted each other up. My friends and I supported, encouraged and celebrated each other. As a result, we became better friends to each other and better people to everyone else. We taught each other to be compassionate, graceful, sensitive, opinionated, savvy, out-going, and humorous.

Above all, we learned from each other. We served as each other's coach, cheerleader and mentor.

Then one day, life happened.

We graduated highschool, went to college, found jobs, got  married, had families and eventually...moved away. Keeping in contact became increasingly difficult. Until finally communication comes to a slow and complete...halt.

In retrospect, I considered myself  extremely fortunate to have made these connections. I realized that in order to  to experience life and learn from it, your heart must be open and willing to receive it. Warts and all.
 

Before long the cycle begins again. You meet people, they become your friends. Some leave and some linger. But if you're  lucky, you encounter friends and mentors who leave an indelible mark in your heart.

Ever wonder why that happens? Allow this poem to shed some light...


“Reason, Season, Lifetime” by Aleksandra Lachut




People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.


When you figure out which one it is,


you will know what to do for each person.






When someone is in your life for a REASON,


it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.


They have come to assist you through a difficulty;


to provide you with guidance and support;


to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.


They may seem like a godsend, and they are.


They are there for the reason you need them to be.






Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,


this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.


Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.


Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.


What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.


The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.






Some people come into your life for a SEASON,


because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.


They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.


They may teach you something you have never done.


They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.


Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.






LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;


things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.


Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,


and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.


It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.






Thank you for being a part of my life,


whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.



Love, Laugh, Live Positive

Product Review: Devita Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30+

Mission: To find a toxin-free moisturizer with a sufficient amount of sun protection that won't break me out.

Merchadise: Devita Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30+

Taken Directly from their website:

"Sunshine Go Away Today... And it will with DeVita's feather-light, never heavy, oily or greasy moisturizing sun block. It's hard to believe (but it's true!) that our all-natural, sheer, moisturizer/sun screen is a deeply moisturizing daytime cream and sun block all in one! DeVita's exclusive formulation is created specifically for those sensitive to breakouts. This moisturizer is light enough to wear under make-up, absorbs quickly, and yet leaves the skin nourished and feeling soft and smooth. Offering full spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection with a SPF of 30+. Safe for adults and children. Titanium Dioxide Free."


DeVita skin care products are 100 percent Vegan and Paraben Free. They are considered Gluten Sensitive Safe and never contain GMO's. DeVita products are never tested on animals (only humans!).

As I read more into the Devita Story, I found myself relating to the same struggles president and CEO of  Devita International Inc. Dr. Cherylanne Atwood faced at a certain period of time in her life. A few of the struggles were:

• acne (this is a BIG one - no pun intended)
• the lack of natural, toxin-free skincare readily available in the market
• the absence of truly effective toxin-free skincare targeted for mature/sensitive skin
•  vegan skincare options

I consider myself to be the type of consumer who believes in the saying, "If you know better, you do better". Meaning, I remain diligent in my research of the  goods and services I plan to use, in order to make a better choice. After all, If I'm willing to give these companies my hard-earned money for their products, shouldn't I have the right to know what they offer?

Luckily, as far as my skin is concerned, Devita Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30+ is the better choice.

Four things I love about this moisturizer. First, the container is a beautiful purple-colored glass bottle. Second, it has a feather-light texture with a mild vanilla scent, which I love! Third, I've been using this product for the past three months and  it hasn't broken me out. And fourth, sun protection! All the bases were covered. YAY!!

OH!

and BONUS!

It also contains HYALURONIC ACID

Some want to refer to it as the "Fountain of Youth" for our millennium. When applied, it acts as a super moisturizer that hydrate and plump up the skin. SWEET!

If you have the same skin concerns as I do, I would recommed trying this product. They offer samples on their website at  http://www2.devita.net/content/specials/samples.php

as well as monthly sales/specials. For this month, ALL moisturizers are on sale.

Suffice to say, I stocked up. : )

Thanks for stopping by and I'll dish out more d'lish topics next time!

Love, Laugh, Live Positive

Product Review: Zosimos Botanicals cream eyeshadows

Taken directly from their website:

"At Zosimos Botanicals, we handcraft our own line of mineral makeup and natural skincare in our 100% wind-powered studio. As a green business, our products are handcrafted in small batches using gentle plant-based raw materials, including pure plant oils, natural waxes, herbs, extracts, floral waters and essential oils. No animal testing is performed, nor do we resort to synthetic chemicals such as parabens, nanoparticles or other toxins."

In my ongoing quest to "green" my make-up kit, I stumbled upon this wonderful website of handmade natural line of cosmetics and skincare products. Instantly, this peaked my interest. As I read more about the company, I found that not only do they prefer to make products that are fresh, (as in their items are not taken off a shelf and placed into a box) but they are also dedicated to sell a variety of safe, wholesome, non-toxic goods! 

Oh happy day!!

After a series of correspondence, I've had the pleasure to know Linda Stein, Founder/Formulator of Zosimos Botanicals who allowed me to put in my two cents and help develop these impressive  products.  Again, these products have been meticulously handcrafted, freshly made and toxin free.

Dear readers, I am honored to introduce you to Zosimos Botanicals cream eyeshadows.

To see this project come to fruiton was truly exciting! When I was given these items to sample, it felt like Christmas morning! hahaha!

The color payoff on all six products were amazing! The eyeshadows had a light shimmer and applied smoothly. The two colors that I'm crazy about in this collection are Fool's Gold and Branch. I've foiled Branch and used it as an eyeliner then used Fool's Gold to brighten up the inner corners of my eyes. LOVE!

I found that White Hilite's texture leaned more towards the wet side and the rest of the cream shadows leaned more toward the dry/powdery side. However, since cream eyeshadows are brand new to their line of cosmetics, the texture and formulation may still be under review.

Overall, if you're crazy about cream eye shadow, these beauties are for you!

**Quick Tip**

Once you apply your cream eyeshadow, ALWAYS apply powder eyeshadow of the same shade on top of it. This process will set your eyeshadow which will help sustain the longevity of your look. 

Ready to see how they look? You got it! Since they were all earth tones,I had fun using all six products at the same time. These shades were suitable to use alone or in combination.

Now to make this product review a bit more entertaining, I decided to add captions to coincide with the expressions below. Each expression would serve as a character in this week's bloggy-sode of "Who ate the last slice of blueberry pie?"

 *Queue in soap opera music*

This program is brought to you by our sponsors Zosimos Botanicals. Because at Zosimos Botanicals, they consider products created toxin-free not only logical, but spectacularly magical! Zosimos Botanicals."

and....ACTION!

Cassandra:
"I DARE you to ask me if I ate it!"

Matilda:
"So...what's that dark stain on your lip??"

Trixie:
"It wasn't me! You can't prove anything!"

  

Matilda:
"But I thought I heard you said you wanted something...sweet..?"

Cassandra:
"Ah-hah! I had a feeling it was you!"

Chelsea:
"Ya, don't look at me. I was at the tanning salon."

Ness:
*Burp* "Tee-hee!"

Chillessa:
*Snore*

Laugh, Love, Live Positive

 

Adventure: Rouge and Run (Beauty Breakdown - Ken)

INSPIRATION

BOLD

DYNAMIC

DEFIANT

IGGY POP ~ DAVID BOWIE

"So...you ready for this?" As I sleepily asked my nephew that following Sunday morning. My voice was still cracking. Barely awake from the previous evening's events. I mentioned what my ideas were to him once...maybe twice... no more than that.

It involved MUSIC. ATTITUDE. ROCKSTAR.

"Ya, sure." He casually responded. He's been ready. Seems like he's always ready to meet up with his auntie Nancy's crazy creative ideas. I have so much to learn from this person's incredible generosity, boundless creativity and unyielding quiet confidence.

I love this kid.

Everyone, meet Ken.

Prep:

*Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes

*Korres Quercitin & Oak primer

Face:

*Coastal Scents Camo Quad in Medium/Dark (Contour)

*Nvey Eco Organic Moisturizing Liquid Foundation (515)

*Nvey Eco Organic Compact Powder in Neutral

*Purely Cosmetics Diamond Perfect Finish

Eyes:

*Nvey Eco cake eyeliner and brow (black)

*NYX Auto Eye Pencil (Black)

*Shopping in Milan: Yellow (eyeshadow)

*Earth's Beauty Sunlight (eyeshadow)

*Earth's Beauty Satin Rose (blush)

*Urban Decay Heavy Metal in Metalhead

*Physician's formula Organic wear mascara (ultra black)

Lips

* Maia's Mineral Galaxy French Rose

*Shopping in Milan: Pink (gloss)

Bowie, Iggy and a bit of New York Dolls playing in the background got us all hyped up for this shoot. To put on bright, colorful makeup on a guy and have him channel a 70's rockstar stance was a feat, especially since my nephew was born in the mid-80's. Queue in "Hair Bands". Hahaha! We had a blast!

Ken, Thank you for your audacity to step up to the plate! I appreciate all you do, all you give and all you create. Keep honing your skills. YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR!! I can't wait for you to share your gifts to the world.

LaUgH, LoVe, LiVe PoSiTiVe