spiffykerms.com » No Buy Month

Makeup brushes

Nancy — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:11:17 +0000

It’s the last day of November. Meaning NaBloPoMo is over as of today!

Out with a bang I suppose — another video for you guys to watch. Do you like these kind of posts? I mean, I don’t have to type as much and you can just sit and listen instead of read. Fun, right?

Comment! Rate? Subscribe? That’s the terminology, isn’t it? ;)

Today is our busiest day of the year at work. Our Annual General Meeting is tonight and we’re setting up stuff all day and packing up our cars with stuff to bring to it, and we get fed, have a meeting, and probably won’t get back home until 9pm or so. It’s “old hat” to us however, since my boss and I have been working together since 2007. So we have it all down pat.

Anyway, off I go! Don’t forget to check out one of the best web hosting sites out there. Compare and save!

Bad News Bears

Nancy — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:58:45 +0000

I knew the race that I completed on October 3 was bad news.

In 2008 I ran that same race and quit running for two whole years only to get back at it again and do my second running race of 2010 and almost quit again. I haven’t ran since Sunday October 3rd and all of that is about to change. Okay I lied — I ran twice on the treadmill at the gym last week.

I’m not superstitious at all, but something to do with that race, or maybe the cooler weather has me scared off running. But I’m not about to quit now!

On a side note: NaBloPoMo ends tomorrow and I have a poll coming up soon about how often you’d like to see me blog. Because clearly I can blog more than once a day for a whole month. Moses.

How was everyone’s weekend?

Trans-fat should be illegal

Nancy — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:46:55 +0000

I wasn’t in the mood to go to the grocery store when I had the Chicken Pot Pie in mind. I was determined to make it that evening, and so I did.

The recipe called for all-purpose baking mix. Since I’m not a huge smarty-pants in the kitchen, I had no idea what that means. Thankfully co-workers mentioned Bisquick was usable, and off I went on my lunch break to pick some up.

What I failed to realize at the grocery store, and even after baking the Bisquick was that it had a ton of fat, and even trans-fat! Trans-fat should be illegal in our (Boyf and I) minds, as it’s thee worst fat you can ever consume. YES ever. One thing my Boyfriend mentioned to me the other day was that he’s so used to not having trans-fat that he can now detect it when he eats it. He knew he felt sickly once he ate the Chicken Pot Pie, and now we have an answer. I’m like that with roast beef, I haven’t had it for so long — that when I had it the last time (about 6 years ago) I got ill. So strange! I only had a few tiny pieces. Anyway, I’m getting off topic here…

Wikipedia:
No trans fats are essential fatty acids; indeed, the consumption of trans fats increases the risk of coronary heart disease^[1]^[2] by raising levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and lowering levels of “good” HDL cholesterol.^[3] Health authorities worldwide recommend that consumption of trans fat be reduced to trace amounts. Trans fats from partially hydrogenated oils are more harmful than naturally occurring oils.

Look at this box! Per third of a cup and check out the AMOUNT of transfat there is in that. Absolutely appalling.

While my supper was tasty, I feel very guilty for chowing down and eating Bisquick — I think I may write an e-mail and even complain to the company that they’re still using trans-fat in their mixture.

Oh that makes me angry.

I’ll have to make another trip to the grocery store and compare labels of all-purpose baking mixes to see if there are any trans-fat free mixtures. Either way, I snagged a recipe from a Campbells cook book. Co-workers have told me that they use pie crust for the top of their pot pies. Interesting.

Orrrrr maybe instead of my next chicken pot pie, I’ll make the exact same recipe, not use Bisquick and just used mashed potatoes on top. Is that called Sheppard’s pie then? But it has chicken in it…

Note: trans fat does not help with weight loss or is good with any effective weight loss pills. Not that I’d know…

OOTWW

Nancy — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 15:41:29 +0000

Monday’s face is blurred out since my skin was still red from the morning run at the gym — even after my shower. Gross.

A day late but it’s here. My outfit of the work week below. Have a good weekend all!

Don’t forget that you can click to enlarge the image if you’d like.

I tried filming another video Thursday night (not on anything like salicylic acid acne), except I kept messing up my words, choking on my own spit and coughing up a storm. It was a bit much, really. I’ve been looking into video editing software. But I think I may end up having to watch a tutorial on how to use the darn tootin things.

My fancy new hair dryer

Nancy — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 10:36:25 +0000

(Click to enlarge)

I heart my new hair dryer. There’s a noticeable difference in my hair, don’t you think?

I’m pretty sure my Mom has had the same dryer since I was a kid. I don’t know the brand name of it and it’s pretty ugly but never the less it works wonders. As the saying goes: If it’s not broke, why fix it. Right?

I’ve been buying travel sized and $20 full sized hair dryers from Walmart and Shoppers Drug Mart since 2006 and can you believe that I’ve gone through at least 3 hair dryers since then? I wash my hair daily because my hair is so fine and when I sleep on it my hair gets flat and impossible to style.

Flat iron experts sent me the Babyliss Pro Ionic Ceramic hair dryer to try out. Mind you I’ve only been drying my hair with this for a few weeks. I received it in October and I can already tell a difference in my hair. Probably because “you get what you pay for” and this hair dryer is $109 online (it retails for $139 in stores though!), and quadruple the price of my shady one’s that catch on fire. Danger bay.

It has a nice long cord to it, and since my outlet is in the hallway it’s long enough for me to blow dry my hair in the bathroom in the mornings, where our only single mirror in the entire apartment is.

My hair stylist and I were chatting about getting myself a new hair dryer the last time I was in, in September. He mentioned that it should be ceramic. It’s bonus if it has Negative Ionic Energy. Not sure what any of that means? Here’s some info I grabbed off the Flat iron experts site:

Ceramic Technology: Ceramic is a non-metallic material that is durable, smooth and retains and distributes heat efficiently. It is a natural source of negative ions and also radiates far infrared heat

Ion Generator: A micro-chip is embedded in the mechanics of the appliance and emits a continuous stream of negative ions.

The ceramic technology part of it just means that your hair will be less frizzy and staticy. I’ll have to see how it holds up with my hair in the winter as that’s when I have the most static in my hair. Bounce dryer sheets rubbed over my head, no more!

Here are the deets of the hair dryer. I love how it has a silicone-like finish, it’s quite sturdy and hefty too. I’m going to build up some muscles drying my hair each morning.

1750 watts.
Dual ionic chambers produce a steady stream of negative ions
Ceramic grill radiates negative ions for maximum performance
High heat and extra powerful airflow
Professional long life AC motor
Compact design and ergonomic handle offers more styling control and comfort
Weights less and delivers more air pressure and higher heat than standard full size dryer
2 speed and 3 heat settings
Cool shot button
Soft velour finish
Snap-on concentrator nozzle
Extra long professional power cord with high flex pretection prolongs the life of the cord
AC 110V 60Hz for use in USA/Canada
One-year limited warranty

The very first thing I noticed about the new hair dryer was that it didn’t get too hot on my scalp. ALSO! Whenever I used to dry my hair and have a necklace on, it burned the be-heavens out of my neck and scalded me since the necklace was getting hot. I don’t even need to dry my hair for a long period of time, but boy some hair dryers can be too hot. The Babyliss was much quieter than my $20 one. Add that to no-frizz so I felt that i didn’t even need my hair straightener.

I really really like it. If you’re in the market for a new hair dryer, try this one out. The sale ends today, but still I thought I’d share that there’s a deal on flatironexperts.com website where if you spend over $100 you’ll get three free gifts which consist of a mini flat iron, a case for it and a shine spray. Another bonus is that whenever you spend over $75 you get free shipping. Some pretty good deals if you ask me.

Psstt…

Nancy — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 14:45:04 +0000

If you’re going to be purchasing any Sigma brushes anytime soon (or at all, really) could you please use my referral link? I get points or something when you guys buy something!

Click on the image below:

Get free shipping too, WORLDWIDE until November 26. Enter the code BF2010.

Note: This won’t work if you’re gifting it for baby shower invitations, but perhaps you can hand over some diapers with some makeup brushes for mama? Just a thought – Mom’s need to be spoiled too…

Didn’t even think…

Nancy — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 10:58:41 +0000

I posted two blog entries within an hour yesterday and I didn’t even think twice about it. But you should go have a read on one of them — I’m giving away a free product coupon to one of you. I won’t be able to use it since it’s USA only which I won from Pamela’s site.

I’ll mail the coupon out to you. Have some goodies around the house for your Christmas holiday visitors!

Also? Guys/Gals, what kind of youtube videos would you like to see me do? I kinda like doing them. Eee!

Here are some ideas I have:

Hauls (what I bought recently)
Outfit of the day
What’s in my purse

I don’t know what else to suggest to myself lol. I suck at makeup so probably not that. Any ideas?

Happy American Thanksgiving — anyone going to do some Black Friday shopping? I kind of want to give it a try one year. I bet it’d be insane, but so fun to snag some great deals for Christmas presents, hey?

Sigmax Makeup Brushes

Nancy — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:08:35 +0000

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh my god. I. just. did.

Yes, I made a video for you all. It’s so easy for me to criticize everything that I said and did wrong in the video. But I filmed this about 8 times before I was happy enough with it.

What I meant by never shopping at MAC again was that I would never purchase $60 brushes when I could get the Sigma one’s for a quarter of the price. Know what I meaaan?

In the video I said that the F82 Flat Top Kabuki was $19, but in fact it is much cheaper at a wonderful price of $16. Buy it here!

As for my Chanel foundation? It’s totally going in the garb, or to JuicyTuesday since she’s the exact same shade as me, and I offered to send it to her, lol.

Anyway let’s get to some photos too while I’m on the topic of Sigma brushes.

Adorable little personalized note.

How my brush was packaged.

This secured plastic cap was annoying to take off. I had to get my scissors to it.

Macro shot

Showing how dense the brush is. Wonderful, no?

Now onto my face foundation. Terrible.. terrible.

What a difference two foundations make on one’s face, huh? On the left: Chanel Pro Lumiere. On the right: Laura Mercier Moisturizing Foundation

Gee, which look should I go for today? Death feeling, or a bit of life added to my face? See what I mean? I was swatched by Chanel’s staff twice. I just don’t think the color or finish is all that great. The coverage is fine, but I cannot wait to get rid of this foundation.

All in all, I adore the Sigma HD sigmax brushes. I’m excited to try out more!!

We both win

Nancy — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:54:12 +0000

Ooooo I love prizes! Pam held a contest on her site. I WON… and the other day I received my package!

I love the t-shirt, the adorable necklace and …aww the magnets.

Okay. I guess I love everything

Now, I haven’t seen these “Sweet Moments” packages in stores at all, actually. That and the fact the coupon actually said valid only in the USA.So my win, is going to be another win, for another person located in the USA. It’s a coupon for a FREE one package of Pillsbury Sweet Moments Refrigerated Desserts. Anyone want it?

Comment away (USA only) and I’ll pick someone randomly at the end of the day/week/whenever. Clearly I have no real deadline, and that’s ok.

Be very afraid

Nancy — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 03:40:38 +0000

I mean. Excited!!!

I have a video coming up shortly. I reviewed a makeup brush, and it’s uploading now on YouTube. Stay tuned, 22 more minutes!

(Try to ignore my awkwardness on the camera)