My 10 Personal Faves

Hey blog friends!  I have challenged myself to get at least one blog post out a week.  It's quite a struggle right now with all that I'm juggling.  I've made a promise to myself so I'm  really going to work on being more committed to this.  I love blogging, taking photos and most of all I love sharing, so I hope there are atleast of few of you who are still following.

Today, because I just kinda feel like this might be fun or useful to someone out there in this big old world of ours, I'm sharing some of my personal faves.  If you don't find any of it useful to you now atleast you will now know a little more about me the woman behind the blog.

First up, is this;

No.1 Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara by Rimmel.  



I found this product last year after experiencing a loss of eye lashes.  I am serious!  I don't know exactly why, but for some reason on both of my eyes I literally had a gap right in the middle where I had no eyelashes.  This freaked me out quite a bit because you see, I have a double row of eyelashes.  Anyway, I researched quite a bit and found that it can happen from hormonal changes as you grow older or even under stress, both of which I was experiencing.  I also tend to think it had something to do with a different mascara I was using to lengthen my lashes.

After doing more research I wanted to find a product to get my lashes back to normal.  I found several that were a bit more expensive but this product was also listed and was readily available at Target.  It is listed as having a natural grow lash complex with procapil that helps to grow and restore lashes.  I can vouch for this 100%, that it works!   It does not smudge or clump and is fabulous and is why it is my number 1 pick to share with you.

In keeping with the makeup end of things my second fave pick to share is;

No.2 Neutrogena Skin Clearing oil free makeup



I have worn this makeup for years now and absolutely love it!  I used to only wear Clinique for many years and switched to this after wanting to find a lesser expensive version of the same product.  This is it!  The salicylic acid in this makeup does not dry out or irritate my skin but does help to control shine for me.  It stays on and fresh all day long without ever looking to over done.  It's a great product!

My number 3 pick is the Oil of Olay Cream cleanser products.  I personally prefer to use the product on right shown below.

No.3 Olay Total Effects 7 Nourishing Cream Cleanser.

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However for some reason I am having a very hard time finding it in stock at my local stores.  Believe me when I say I've tried.  I usually start looking for it weeks before I run out so I won't have to find something else.  This past month I started looking early and had a very hard time.  Needless to say I had to get something else so went with the Olay Regenerist Luminous Cream Cleanser.  I like it very much as well, though it does have microbeads. I prefer a smoother cream mainly because I have contacts and don't like to take a chance of get anything gritty in my eyes while washing my face. I rarely use a moisturizer and I truly believe a cream cleanser is why I don't need too.  It is moisturizing enough.  Usually I only use a moisturizer if I am not wearing makeup and thats so I will have an SPF 15.

My next favorite pick is shown above and below.  It's less about the products but more about the acrylic container.

No.4 Bino Acrylic Makeup Containers



I first came across this container and the one above just a few summers ago.  I actually saw the one my hairbrushes are in first at TJ Maxx but didn't buy it.  When I went back I couldn't find any.  I looked for months on end and couldn't find it so I bought the one the q-tips are in.  Finally this one above started showing back up in the stores and I got it.  What I love about the Bino line is their acrylic is very heavy duty.  It's not thin like some of the others can be and is very durable.  I love that about their products and I love these in particular because of the depth and the shapes of the containers themselves.  They don't spread out all over the counter and are deep enough to hold my brushes, hairspray etc.  Storage space is very limited in my bathroom and this keeps my everyday items handy and organized.

No.5 Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion



You have heard me speak before about loving my lotions, especially my bath and body works lotions. What I haven't ever said is how much I love a good daily moisturizer too.  I have very dry skin and absolutely have to use a lotion every day.  It just doesn't feel right if I don't.  I also have keratosis pilaris on my forearms and thighs.  It's a hereditary condition of small red bumps.  This lotion was recommended by the dermatologist to help control that.  I had been using other products because I was trying to save some money but have recently gone back to this because I found a two pack at Sam's Club that made this so very affordable.  I've feel like I am already starting to see an improvement on my arms as well.  It's a very light weight feeling moisturizer going on yet stays moist all day.  So worth the money!

No.6 Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen

As I said above I am very choosy about my skin products.  I have been using this sunscreen lotion for the past several years as well.  It is also another one of those products that can be hard to find.  I love how it makes my skin feel so nourished, doesn't cake or clump, smells tropical and truly works.  I love to be in the sun and reapply often because I prefer to use the 30 as opposed to a 50 so I can get a tan.

No.7 Martinique by Tommy Bahama

If you like a light tropical smell then you will love this product.  It's almost a fruity floral if you will but its very subtle and light.  Perfect for summer socializing.  I recently went though a few weeks where I was on a quest to add a few scented products.  I rarely wear a perfume or cologne and usually my bath and body products are as scented as I get.  But I do occasionally like to spritz on a little something.  Two of my older favorites are Jessica McClintock and Far Away by Avon.  This summer though I wanted to find something new to me and Martinique by Tommy Bahama is what I came across.  It was instant love and a great price at Ross of all places.  I first found it first at Marshalls but then went next door to Ross and they had it also for a few dollars less.  Our Ross keeps their colognes in a case and they are wrapped so I'm glad I got to smell it first at Marshalls where it was not wrapped or else I may not have bought it there.  I'm kinda funny about buying from department stores not just because of the extra costs but I always feel like I am being pressured by sales people when smelling the colognes.  I know I'm not really and that they are just doing their job to help but I often feel over encouraged at times.  Buying expensive perfume when I don't really like it is just something I avoid at all costs.  LOL!   I'm guessing perhaps this scent may have been around awhile now, but if your like me and a little behind, a little on the thrifty side and want to try something new.  This is a good one!

No.8 Wire Rotating Earring Tree



If you are a jewelry hoarder like me you will love this earring stand.  I actually have several different types of jewelry stands, cases, ect.  These shown here are some I keep out on my dresser.  I find that having a selection right on my dresser helps me decide quicker, is convenient and is a great reminder to wear that jewelry I have invested in.  Working retail and buying wholesale I have been able to acquire quite a bit.  I love throwing on bracelets, earring and a great necklace when I go out.  Now that I am home I've slowed down quite a bit on what I wear but it's here looking at me and calls out to me every morning.  Yes, yes, yes, I love jewelry...that really should have been my no. 8 pick but I had to narrow it down so I focused on the earring tree.

I love the wire rotating earring tree because it is more vertical in space and holds quite a bit.  I purchased this from Michaels, this year and I think they also had a larger rotating tree as well.  This is the smaller one. It holds quite a bit and doesn't take up a lot of space on your dresser.  If your looking to organize your jewelry a little more this earring tree is a must.

No.9 Zukes Skinny Bakes

Sorry ladies, but this is for dogs.  You will understand why I decided to put this product on my personal faves list in just a bit but for now let me tell you why I love it.  First off, it is low calorie and my little baby girl needs low cal just as much as her mama does.  She has low level pancreatitis so she has to be careful what she eats.

I found these snacks at Pet Supplies Warehouse and bought them on a whim.  I can tell you the berries in the them smell wonderful and my little one just loves them to death.  I hope these are not just a seasonal flavor because were going to be in trouble if they are.  We call them her "skinny girl" treats.  We can say to her, Do you want a "skinny girl?"  and she will bark and squeal.  So funny!  It feels good to give her something she likes that is also good for her.  Your dog will love these if you can find them too!

No.10 Maizey the Cavachon



And finally my No.10 (most personal fave of all) is my adorable little dog Maizey. She is now 2 and half years old.  She is a Cavachon, a cross between a Bichon and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  This little one has filled my heart with so much joy, I can't even begin to express how much.

Having a pet to hold, snuggle, care for and spoil after your kids have left the nest is a wonderful thing.  As you can see above we take her lots of places with us.  She goes sailing with us, she goes visiting, she goes on vacation with us and even enjoys just riding in the car.  Try and try as we have though, she just doesn't care for the pool.  Maybe one day.  She is now loving her Mommy being at home with her.  When I go upstairs to work in my embroidery room I will tell her I am going to work and ask if she wants to come.  She now immediately goes to the stairs and waits for me to carry her up.  Yes, I said spoiled, didn't I?  While upstairs she snuggles up under the desk where the embroidery machine is and lulls off to sleep with the noise.  When I'm finished I tell her its time to get off work and up she'll pop and we go downstairs.  Crazy little thing!

I feel so blessed by this little dog and I can honestly say it's been love a first sight for the both of us.  If  you are ever feeling lonely, get a dog, it's the best therapy you could ever have.

Well, that's my faves my friends!  Sorry to be long winded but I hope you enjoyed your visit.  Thank you so much for dropping by and for reading all the way if you did.  I'd love to hear from you too if you'd like.  I love to hear a few your faves along the same lines as the ones I've posted here today.  Hope your having a great week!

Hugs and Waves,

Mary