This Week's Beauty Morsels Shop Window!

 

 Beauty Morsels Casual Wear

I've picked some casual pieces for fall that you can mix and match together to create different outfits.  I'm really loving the red colored jeans this season.  They look awesome and give your style a pop of color.

Special K Protein Effect: Final Results

So, I've come to the end of my 2 weeks on the Special K Protein Effect plan and I'm stoked to report that I've lost more weight than my original goal!  My jeans are much looser now and I feel leaner.  Overall, my clothes are looking a lot better, especially my skinny jeans and leggings.  It's clear that this plan really works and I am going to be incorporating these products into my everyday diet.  The Special K Protien Effect helped me curb my intense cravings for sweets, so now, when I do have a dessert, I don't overindulge like I used to.  I was highly addicted to sweets so that was one of my biggest problems in losing weight.  I could cut out other carbs like pasta, rice, etc., but not sweets.  Not until I got used to managing my cravings through this plan.  The meal bars were a great alternative and they satisfied my sweet tooth.



One key thing is that you must follow the program closely, especially in the first 2 weeks, if you want to maximize your weight loss.  I didn't find the plan difficult because the products kept my hunger away so I never felt starved.  The plan will help change your eating habits so that you realize when you're full and don't simple continue eating just because there is food on your plate.  It has definitely helped me put the concept of moderation into practice.  It's ok to have a little treat after dinner, but you definitely want to keep it small.  I also have 1 splurge day at the end of the week, where I get to have whatever I want for dinner.  I think this helps keep you on track since you don't feel deprived.  If you want to kick start your weight loss, give this plan a shot and you will see a difference in your energy levels and your body in a couple of weeks!

Exclusive Discounts from People StyleWatch

I love bargains so I'm so excited to share some exclusive discounts on the great clothes featured in this month's issue of People StyleWatch. These offers will come in handy when putting together a fabulous fall wardrobe.  The deals expire Nov. 16 so make sure to check them out before they're over!
 

20% off on shoes

20% off on all merchandise

35% off all merchandise

20% off on featured coat

20% off all merchandise

 

Hair Product Gold!

As promised, here is the ONE product I have found that actually works to tame and hydrate frizzy, dry hair.  Palmer's Hair Food is a must have for controlling unruly hair.  I first discovered it a few years ago when I visited Cairo, Egypt.  It made my hair soft, shiny and kept frizz at bay.  I stocked up on many jars and began using it exclusively.  My hair looked great even when it was curly because of how well this product held the curls together.  Unfortunately, I ran out of the product a couple years ago and could not find it in any of the stores and I wasn't seeing the exact formula that I wanted being sold online so I gave up and decided to move to other styling products.  Other products, especially the expensive ones had to work just as well, or even better, right?  Wrong!  Throughout the past couple of years, I've literally tried every type of styling product ranging from cheap to super expensive.  You name it and I've probably tried it.  None of them helped in managing my hair.  They would look good when I first applied them, but after about 30 min., my hair would be a poufy mess.  I was even at the Fekkai Salon in West Hollywood recently and they drenched my hair in their Essential Shea Pot de Crème (retail price is $34.99) and it did absolutely nothing for my hair.  Just goes to show that spending a lot of money on a product doesn't guarantee it will be effective.

Luckily, in the past month, I have found Palmer's Hair Food in the formula that I want being sold online.  It's been keeping my hair super shiny and soft, while helping create the exact hairstyle that I want.  I always apply the product on towel-dried hair and braid my hair.  I then leave it in a braid overnight.  When I unbraid my hair the next day, I get perfect loose, shiny waves that are frizz-free.  You can also apply this and then blow dry and flat-iron your hair for an incredibly sleek look.

This product in combination with the hot hair mask treatments I've been doing has changed my hair for the better.  I definitely recommend giving this product a try if you haven't found something that works for your hair.

The BEST Treatment for Dry, Damaged Hair

Lately, my curly hair has been out of control dry, I'm talking hair so dry that its texture is like straw. The past couple of months, the dryness has been so severe that I can even feel that straw-like texture when it's wet!  It's like it sucks up moisture on contact.  It's been driving me crazy, not to mention, giving me horrible hair days.  I haven't even been blow drying it or flat ironing it so there's really no reason for this excessive parchment of my hair.  UGH, it's been such a struggle to deal with it and I'm always so envious of the girls who have sleek, straight hair and can just wash and go.  I finally decided to take back control and repair the damage by using hair masks each week.  

I've used them in the past and haven't particularly noticed much change.  However, I decided to do something different and give my hair a hot mask treatment.  I shampooed my hair as usual and then I towel dried it.  I applied a hair mask from the middle of my hair to the ends since that is where my hair is the driest (I used regular conditioner on my scalp area).  I then took a small towel and popped it in the microwave for about 20 seconds.  I wrapped the towel around the portion of my hair that had the mask in it and let it sit for about 8 minutes.  I then removed the towel and rinsed the mask out of my hair.  

Let me tell you, this worked wonders on my hair and I could immediately feel that it was so much softer and actually touchable for the first time in what seems like forever.  The heat allowed the mask to penetrate my hair and made the product so much more effective.  Finally, my hair retained some moisture and it looks a lot better!  If you have curly, dry, unruly hair I highly recommend trying this out at least once a week.  You can even try it out with conditioner if you don't have a hair mask.

In my next post, I'll be talking about the ONE product that truly works for taming curly, dry hair.

Shop the Beauty Morsels Boutique!

 

 Beauty Morsels Boutique

I've teamed up with ShopMyLabel to create Shop Windows!  My first Shop Window is shown above.  I've chosen classic pieces that can are chic and timeless.  You can mix and match many of the items with what you already have in your wardrobe so I consider them must-have staples.  Click on the link to get shopping.  Each week, I'll be showcasing different styles and trends for various budgets.  

One of the great things about ShopMyLabel is that there is free shipping on ANY purchase you make.  Free shipping is something I really like because I always feel it's such a waste to spend money on shipping since you don't get any value out of it.  That's one of the reasons I sometimes avoid shopping online.  With ShopMyLabel you don't have to worry about making a minimum purchase.  If you have any specific requests or looks you'd like to see, let me know and I'll put together a Shop Window to match your needs.

The Magic of Diorshow

When it comes to mascara, there is nothing quite like Diorshow.  I've tried out tons of different brands, wands and formulas and haven't found one that works like Diorshow.  The problem I notice with other mascaras is that they clump too much and your lashes get stuck together giving you a really fake look.  They may lengthen and volumize your lashes, but there is no definition or separation.  With Diorshow, my lashes look longer and fuller, but it has a more natural effect.  You can also apply a couple of coats without completely clumping up your lashes or getting too much product on the lashes.  What I really like about Diorshow mascara is that I can skip the eyeliner and eyeshadow if I'm in a rush because it already makes my eyes stand out so much.  It's easy and quick to apply which is another bonus.  When I use other mascaras, I usually have to use a spoolie to separate out clumps at the end of my lashes and that just wastes time and typically doesn't even look that great.  You definitely get what you pay for and Diorshow delivers.

Check out the Diorshow products below, they will be perfect for creating a glammed up holiday look.  Find your must-have product and head over to www.Dior.com because you can get free shipping on any Dior purchase now through Dec. 31 when you use the code:  DIORPSW2012.

This promises a dramatic 3-D effect for lashes.

My favorite:  Diorshow Blackout Mascara gives you an intense, striking color that will get you noticed.

Looking forward to trying this lash serum and primer, especially on my sparse lower lashes.

This eyeshadow palette has all the colors you need to create a sexy, smokey eye.

I need this to fill in my one brow that still will not grow in as thick as I want.  It comes in a universal shade that works with everyone's skin tone.

Watch the Dior Backstage Beauty video for tips and info on the best products.

Special K Update

So I've been following the Special K Protein Effect plan for about a week now and I'm loving the results!  I've lost about 3 pounds so far and I definitely think that I will have lost those annoying extra 6 pounds by next week.  The major thing that I have noticed is that my jeans are fitting so much better.  They were really snug before, which was a little uncomfortable.  I'm also feeling more energized because I've cut down on sweets and salty snacks.  I typically run about 15-22 minutes on the treadmill at the gym, but now I'm up to 30 minutes and hoping to build up to 40 minutes.  Overall, I'm happy with the program and I don't feel hungry or irritated like I have felt with other weight loss plans.  Stay tuned for my final results next week!

Special K Protein Effect

 

I just received my Special K Protein Effect box of goodies from the People Style Hunters Network a few days ago and am so happy with the products.  I've gained a few extra pounds over the last couple of weeks so this came just in time.  

The frustrating thing is that I don't feel I've really been overeating and I haven't decreased my exercise, which is why I'm glad to have the chance to try out the Protein Effect.  I need to shake up my diet a little and get back on track and I think this will do the trick.  I've purchased more of each product in the plan so that I could try it out for a couple of weeks to see if I will be able to drop those pesky 5-6 pounds.

Take a look at what I got in my package!

First, let me tell you about how the Protein Effect program works so that you're familar with the meal plan.  Essentially, you have the Special K cereal for breakfast, which counts as "Meal 1".  Then, for "Meal 2", you grab one of the protein shakes.  For snacks, you can have their meal bars, which come in a variety of flavors.  "Meal 3" is up to you.  You can make a healthy dinner of your own or you can use one of the recipes on the Special K website at:  http://www.specialk.com/ProteinEffect.

I've found it to be a pretty easy plan to follow so far and I've been able to cut down a lot on my snacking and I'm loving all the products included in the plan.  

The protein shakes actually taste really good.  Usually, I hate protein shakes because the flavor is so awful and powdery, but these are similar to yogurt smoothies so you can enjoy drinking them.  They keep you full so you don't need to reach for junk food.

I'm a huge sweets person, literally the type who could have dessert for dinner and even I think the meal bars are delicious and satisfying for my sweets cravings.  My favorite flavors are the cranberry almond and the caramel peanut.  The bars are also fairly large so you feel like you are getting a substantial amount, unlike some other meal bars, where you really need to eat 2 of them to get full.

The cranberries and icing on this bar are a yummy combo!

I typically follow my own dinner recipes, but last night, I did try out the Spicy Asian Chicken Stir-fry from the Special K website and it was awesome so I'll be experimenting with more recipes from there.

I've been on the plan for the last 3 days and I'm feeling a lot better.  I've noticed that I was able to work out longer at the gym and I've lost about a pound.  I'm looking forward to seeing the results in 2 weeks.  I will keep you guys posted on my progress!

Loving Loehmann's Great Deals!

 

So I had heard about Loehmann's in the past, but wasn't too familiar with the store.  Thanks to the Style Hunters network, I got to go on a little shopping spree this weekend and I also snagged a 20% discount for you guys!  Click here to get your discount and start putting together your fall wardrobe. 

I'm so glad that I got introduced to this store because it has many amazing finds at awesome prices.  I was able to get 6 tops for about $100.  It was difficult to limit myself to just 6 things because I found myself wanting to put almost everything into my shopping bag.  I'm planning on doing some more shopping there in a couple of weeks.  For now, I'm beyond excited about all the clothes and can't wait to try them out.  I'll be sure to share my picks with you all once they arrive.  In the meantime, here are just some of the great clothes you can find there:

This sweater dress is very cute and chic.

They have a huge selection of colored denim that will be perfect for fall.

These sweater jackets can dress up any outfit, while keeping you warm.

This tweed coat is on my list because it's just classic.

Almay Wake-Up Makeup!

I really love the new Almay Wake-Up Eyeshadow + Primer palette. It truly is an all-in-one kit to get you going in the morning. No matter how tired you are, this eyeshadow palette will perk up your look. The primer actually has a bit of caffeine in it, which can help brighten your eyes and is used in a lot of eye treatments so it may even be beneficial with long term use. I've always had problems with darkness around my eye area even if I've had a good night's sleep so I like that this palette diminishes the darkness and makes my eyes stand out more. The colors work great for everyday wear. The highlighter has this shimmer to it that brings attention to the eyes and the darker colors help give a smokey look without being too overdone so it's perfect for daytime. It's a more natural look that will fit in at the office or at school. When I want a more dramatic look for nighttime, I dab a brush in some water and apply the shadow wet. I also layer on the shadow to give me a darker look. It's both versatile and affordable. I've so far tried out the invigorate palette, which is pictured above, through the Style Hunters network and am planning on checking out some of the other shades. Let me know if you've tried out the Almay Wake-Up Eyeshadow and what shade is your favorite.